Christmas desserts...

I'm looking for a special dessert for Christmas Eve dinner since that's what I'm responsible for bringing. I want to do something a little different, but still seasonal. I found the following recipes...

Buche de Noel (Yule Log)


Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake


Shortbread Tarts with Cream Filling


Red Velvet Cake



which one(s) should I try?

Cookie time...

I love Fancy Flours. They always have such wonderful ideas for baking.




We've made our requisite batch of chocolate chip cookies and they are already all gone. DH and I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to chocolate chip cookies. Now I need to make some sugar cookies and some fudge! No willpower will be involved there either!

oh, oh!

Looks like the economy is affecting Santa too...


I choose to believe that he will weather this storm just fine! LOL

Dh and I are going out tonight to find the perfect Christmas tree. It has finally stopped raining long enough for us to do this. We would love to find a Blue Spruce, but we usually just find the noble fir, which is still a gorgeous tree.

We really wish we were heading out instead, to a nice, warm and cozy cabin in the woods somewhere and we wouldn't even mind if there was a bit of snow.

I've been listing new fabrics in my shop today and will probably be doing the same tomorrow and possibly even Wednesday. I've got lots of new fabrics in stock!

Stocking ideas and a winner!

Here are some wonderful stocking ideas I found online at BHG. They always have great ideas, don't they?

These are right up my alley since they are hand-knit! How easy and fun. I won't be getting them made for this year, but I'm putting them on my list for next year.


Directions here for these lovely red and green stockings!


These are pretty cute too, and different! Simple to make too!


How adorable!


Well, that was just a small sampling of the fun stocking ideas to be found at Better Homes & Gardens.

NOW, as promised, here is the winner of my little give-away!




Kathleen at Welcome to my World is the lucky winner! Congratulations Kathleen!

Ladies, I want to thank you all for participating and for enriching my holiday season this year with your stories of giving. I've loved reading each and every one of them.

Thanks so much!

I'm so happy...

Remember here? Where I mentioned I started a new project? Well, here it is. Finished! This is what I did on my "staycation" and this was my first peek at it after having it quilted.


It was so much fun opening the box! Here's a photo of most of it.


I used a lot of different fabrics...anything bright, cheerful, and colorful was put into this quilt. It's the Capriccio pattern from Pie in the Sky and it was really fun. Lots of fun and lots of 1 1/2" fabric strips. Lots and lots of strips! LOL!


Jackie did the quilting and I'm so glad she did. She chose the perfect thread color and the perfect quilting design and I LOVE it! She did an exquisite job of quilting and I can VERY highly recommend her professional services. In fact, I asked her for some of her business cards so I can start passing them out at my quilting groups and guild. She's a treasure.



Here's the back - maybe it's easier to see the quilting on the back.


Can you see the wonderful quilting pattern?


I LOVE this quilt!

Mystery completed...

My Mystery socks are done!




BMFA STR lightweight in Mochaberry colorway.

A little giveaway...

I've been going through my stash lately and have come across some things that I forgot I even had. Like these blocks. So, I think it's the perfect time for a little give-away!





If you like these blocks and would like a chance at "winning" them, just leave me a comment. I would love to hear what your very best and most rewarding gift giving experience has been.


Let's see...I think I'll plan on announcing a winner on Friday. So, from now until Thursday night at midnight EST, you are welcome to join in!

Good luck all!