Inside the Bubble

A Merry Christmas was had by all...

   

This year I had Christmas dinner at our home. Both of my daughters were home, along with my mom, mother-in-law and hubby.  We had a relaxing, peaceful day!  Oh, and I can't forget my granddoggy, Penny, who is a sweet, but mischevious dachshund.  Let me share a few pics from the day...

Penny's stocking awaits her arrival!

GIfts were lovingly wrapped, awaiting opening.

 

The girls eagerly await to see what Santa brought them this year!

  Bill (I mean Santa) gives a courtesy smile/smirk for me!

Penny says...let me at my gifts!

As much as I tried, I could NOT get Penny to hold still for a picture with her new toys!  She was a black and tan blur!!!

Santa Bill brought me this gorgeous new watch!

   Me and my lovely daughters,  I can't believe how grown up they are, but its a good thing I'm not getting any older!  (lol)

   

Well, today I am off to meet Her, and Her, along with a few other friends to get in a little antique retail therapy and lunch for HER birthday today.  We will be meeting up at Orange Circle.  Sending get well wishes to this friend who is under the weather with a head cold...we will miss you!  I am looking forward to a "girls day" out before my youngest daughter's four friends from college arrive tomorrow for a few days in Southern California.  It'll be fun to have the house full of kids (I mean young adults) again! 

Merry Christmas

 

Wishing you a warm, snug and peaceful holiday with your family and friends.  Please join us celebrating our Saviour's birth!  Merry Christmas!

A Pretty Little Christmas

   

Welcome to A Pretty Little Christmas Blog Party.  I'm so glad you could attend!  I won't keep you out in the cold (yes, its actually gotten "cold" in Southern California...our high will be in the 50's, which is freezing cold for us!), so come on in, have a look around and join me for some holiday cheer....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, as you can see, its getting late....so, thank you for coming, help yourself to a little sweet from my candy jars and...Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

One more thing.....

I wanted to share this group pic of Joyeux Affaire that was taken by Kim Hesson, as it shows ALL the lovely ladies that shared in the day...

 

One more thing to share....this friend of mine is SO sweet.  I came home to this package at my doorstep.  Inside were these wonderful goodies, including a Parisian journal, notepad, stickers, "Merci" stamp and more.  Ooh la la! Thanks, doll (as she would say).  I LOVE it all!

 

Joyeux Affaire

 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending this incredible hostess' Joyeux Affaire, which was TRULY a joy!  The day included two classes from the lovely Debby Schuh and another fun class with this cutie!  Included in the event was a yummy made to order boxed lunch, delicious treats throughout the day AND an Italian Dinner.  But what makes these events so special is both the attention to detail by our hostess, Kim, and the warmth and friendshp of those who attended this intimate gathering.  Rather than bore you with my ramblings, I would rather share quite a few pics from the day.  So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!

  The goodies at our table when we arrived.

Generous goodie bags

A box of embellishments from Kim.

Cute centerpieces and as always, chocolate on each table!  A true necessity!

  Heather's vendor booth.

  Jamie's vendor booth.

  Kim Hesson's Booth.

  Lilia's adorable vendor booth.

  Candice's vendor booth.

Debby Schuh with Lilia Meredith.

 Amy Tan with her project.

We are all working away on our projects!

  Kim, her cutey pie daughter and Mom drawing names for door prizes!

Lucky me....I won this cute angel ornament!

 

  Sherry sat right across from me at our table and brought me this lovely ornament she made.  Thank you SO much Sherry.  I adore it!

 

Another one of my table mates, Colleen.  She is such a hoot and always has me laughing!

Here are my other table mates, who made the day so enjoyable, including Susan, Marsi, Loretta, Susan and Shannon. (Sorry Susan and Shannon, you got cutoff on this pic!)

  Those who participated in the ornament swap, hosted by Teah (far right), prepared to receive their ornaments with their huge, adorable stockings that Teah made for everyone!

PJ with her "to die for" cute snowman ornament she made!

Kim with her lovely sparkly holiday home ornament she crafted.

"Disco Fever" hits our honorary photograph for the day, Kim Hesson.  (I know you're going to kill me for posting this, but it is so dang cute!!) Love ya, Kim!

This is the cover of the awesome Christmas book we made in Debby's first class.

Here is my paper and fabric board that we made in Amy's class.

Debby's last class was a "guest book" using ATC cards and the 7 Gypsy's rolodex holder.  Here are the cards that we got done in class.

As you can see the "joy" on Jenny's face, this day was just as much fun as finding your Christmas Stocking from Santa on Christmas morning.  Thank you to my dear friend, Kim, for your graciousness and a truly unforgettable day! 

Jessi's 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange

Don't you just love Jessi's idea for a cookie exchange - no calories!  However, when we see all these yummy recipes, that will be where all those pesky calories come in!  Anyway, here's a couple recipes I'd like to share with you all.

 

ANDES MINT COOKIES  (yum!!)

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 36 chocolate mint wafer candies

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pan over low heat, cook butter, sugar and water until butter is melted. Add chocolate chips and stir until partially melted. Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is completely melted. Pour into a large bowl and let stand 10 minutes to cool off slightly.
2. At high speed, beat in eggs, one at a time into chocolate mixture. Reduce speed to low and add dry ingredients, beating until blended. Chill dough about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 8-10 minutes. While cookies are baking unwrap mints and divide each in half. When cookies are brought out of the oven, put 1/2 (OR A WHOLE, IF YOU LIKE A LOT OF MINT FLAVOR) mint on top of each cookie. Let the mint sit for up to 5 minutes until melted, then spread the mint on top of the cookie. Eat and enjoy!

I thought I would share a second recipe with you!

  TOFFEE BARS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter, softened (Be sure to use butter, not margarine)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 (1.55 ounce) bars milk chocolate
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, beating until smooth. Press into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees  for 17-19 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately place chocolate bars on top; return to the oven for 1 minute. Spread melted chocolate over bars; sprinkle with pecans.

Wishing you all a "yummy" holiday season!