Just Because Christmas is Over...

Doesn't mean you can't enjoy the smell of Gingerbread wafting through the house.

Gingerbread Waffles that is!

This is one of our favorite family recipes and we make it starting in the fall and all through the winter.

We even love to make them on our "Breakfast for Dinner" nights!

Topped off with carmelized apples and bananas they are simply scrumptious. I'm sure that makes them healthier too!

Here is the recipe

1/4 C butter or margarine     1/2 C brown sugar, packed

1/2 C light molasses               2 eggs, well beaten

1 C. milk                           2 C. siften flour

1 1/2 t. baking powder           1 1/2 t. cinnamon

1 t. ginger        1/4 t. allspice        1/2 t. salt

Cream butter, brown sugar, molasses, eggs, and milk. Sift together flour, baking powder, ginger, allspice, and salt; add to molasses mixture. Bake on greased waffle iron. Top with bananas or apples.

And here are some of our Christmas Highlights!

Visiting Santa on Christmas Eve at our Downtown Carousel. Lauren looks thrilled doesn't she? It was all we could do to get her to stay in that sleigh long enough for a photo!

All dressed up for Christmas Eve service at church. A girl's gotta have a sparkly purse to complete the ensemble.

The kids each receive a gift from Daddy on Christmas Eve. Lauren got a Ballerina Nutcracker and here she is showing us her own dance moves.

Ian received his first Chess set and they wasted no time getting the game going. Ian picked it up so quickly he is going to have to teach mommy now!

And, here they are coming down the stairs on Christmas morning.

They were not too happy that I made them stop to take this picture.

Can you see the courtesy smile?

I'm pretty sure it is because they saw this waiting for them!

This dollhouse that Lauren received was actually one that my dad built for my sister years ago. It has been sitting in their barn and Heather said that since my niece was past playing with it now, they would love to hand it down to Lauren. Remember that snow storm my parent's drove through at Thanksgiving? This dollhouse was sitting in the back of their truck the entire time! We reused some of the old furniture and I bought some new pieces to add to it. My plan is to repaint it and add wallpaper and maybe some stenciled rugs.

She is loving it and I even managed to find a new Victorian Doll Family that don't look creepy!

And yes, that is a toaster waffle sitting on the floor in the living room. Who wants to stop playing to go eat?
This is my favorite picture from the weekend. Little sister had been tucked into bed and Ian got to stay up a little bit later and listen to the grown-ups tell funny stories of Christmas' past.
Snuggled into Daddy's arms, this is where the memories are made!

So, how are you all doing? I'm looking forward to having time this week to visit you and catch up on all of your favorite memories from this blessed season!
See you soon,
Vanessa

Marty's hosting an "Anything Goes Party" at
A Stroll Thru Life

Wasn't it just Summer?

My house has been decorated since before Thanksgiving.

I have baked and wrapped and shopped.

We have driven around looking at lights (many, many times).
The doors have been opened on the Advent house.

We've made paper snowflakes and angels and cotton ball snowmen.

And yet...

It still snuck up on me!
How does that happen?
I found myself the other night turning to my husband and saying,

"Wasn't it just summer?"

It went too fast!

Anyone else feel that way?
Anyone? Anyone?

Well, if you are finding yourself doing some scrambling for any last minute gifts for friends and neighbors, let me offer you an idea that I tried this year.

I always see those beautiful jars of Mulling Spices at the specialty kitchen stores but they tend to be kind of pricey. And we LOVE our Mulled Cider around here, so I thought I would try my hand at making it myself this year.

It was very simple...

Now, there are many different variations of this but I did the one that was the least labor intensive.

You need:

Whole Nutmeg

Whole Cloves

Whole Allspice

Cinnamon Sticks

Cheesecloth

Put the nutmeg and the cinnamon sticks in plastic bag and lightly mash them with a hammer or mallet. You still want them to be in fairly big chunks. Cut squares of cheesecloth and make sure they are at least 2 layers thick. Pour some of the mashed nutmeg and cinnamon sticks into the middle of the square and then add 2 Tablespoons of cloves and allspice.

Tie up the ends of the cheesecloth and wrap with twine or ribbon.

Add a simple tag and you have a nice little gift!
On the back I wrote "Place in a simmering pot of Apple Juice for a delicious, aromatic beverage."

I even tried them myself when we had a party the other night and had folks say that it was the best Mulled Cider they had ever tried.

I think it was because the spices were so fresh.

Or maybe it was just the extra love that went into it!

Hope you are all enjoying this week!
Vanessa

My Dining Room and I Thank You!

I gotta tell you...all of you lovely bloggers have been a huge influence on me this Christmas. I have seen so many amazing displays of gorgeousness that frankly, it can be a bit intimidating at times! From the "bling-i-fied" (that's for you Becca!), to the beauty of using natural elements to over the top richness in color and textures, I have seen it all. And, more so than in any other room this year, I have tried to take a little piece of each style and bring it into my Dining Room.

So, we thank you for all of the fabulous Inspiration!

My Dining Room is located just beyond the living room but is not a completely enclosed room of it's own. I have to keep that in mind when decorating so as to avoid the "more is just more" syndrome!

 I hopped on board the Mercury Train when I found these chunky beauties. Found at...you guessed it...TJ Maxx, of course!

Placed on either side of this potted poinsettia, they add just the right amount of glitz while maintaining some simplicity. I didn't even put down a tablecloth or runner just so they would really pop against the dark wood.

I did, however, add a runner to this side table where I focused most of my decorating energy and resources. I was determined to not spend a lot so I only purchased the runner. And yes, that was from TJ Maxx too. Maybe I should just set up a little cot there and have it be my vacation home!

Simple, un-lit garland adds texture and depth and the gold ribbon winding around helps soften it while also adding just a hint of color and shine.

One of my favorite 2 tiered stands holds a whole bunch of faux cranberries and I love how that color just pops! My daugher is also loving hiding these around the house just to make mommy

insane laugh at how silly she is.

I used a simple round silver tray and placed a silver teapot on top along with a sugar and creamer set that were Wedding gifts my parents received over 40 years ago!

The man of the hour himself, sits atop one of my Spode "Winter's Eve" plates that I am slowly collecting.

They are really hard to find! 

I couldn't leave well enough alone and had to add just a little something to the handle of the teapot.

Also on the tray are these Santa napkin rings that I purchased soon after my hubby and I got married. I love them and I've never seen any others quite like them!

Does anyone know how to take day-time pictures facing a window? I don't, but I wanted to show you the wreaths hanging on the dining room windows so I had to take this shot at night.

 This was the best I could do during the day to give you an idea of their true color.

Now, I have seen some AMAZING chandelier creations out there in blogland, but I took my cues from you nature lovers and just simply added some fresh greenery and red berries to mine.

Here is a closer look. It almost reminds me of hanging mistletoe! Now, how are my hubby and I gonna get up there to kiss?

This could get interesting folks!

 On the little table that sits on the other side of the Living Room sofa I created this little vignette.

This votive holder is not technically "Christmas" but I just love the tones and pattern and I get to use it year round!

I used this plate because it is just exactly how we look on Christmas morning. Hubby in a tie, me with my hair all done up, no puffy eyes, fire roaring, no wrapping paper strewn about, the children happily commenting on each other's gifts and not trying to take anything from each other. Isn't that how you all look?

I switched out our regular photos for these of the last 3 years of visiting Santa on Christmas Eve. For 2 years Lauren had no expression at all and then last year we got a partial smile. We always visit the same Santa at our Downtown Carousel.

Let's hope we get some good smiles this year!

From this Southern Girl at Heart,
Vanessa

Linking to
Feathered Nest Friday
Share the Decor Holiday Party
Boring to Better
Boardwalk Bragfest
Tuesday Treasures
Whassup Wednesday

Back this train up!

First of all, let me say THANK YOU to all of you who participated in the parties this weekend! They were so much fun and you are definitely some wildly creative, clever, and crafty folks.
I am honored just to be in your company!

And, secondly, I realized that I never properly welcomed you into my home all decorated for Christmas.
Let's start back at the beginning!

Welcome!

I took my basic Costco wreath and added this lovely sign that I found at TJ Maxx for only $12. I love how even during the day it looks like the door is glowy and shining!

Come on in!

I splurged on pre-lit garland this year and let me just tell you that it made this mama very happy. I also decided to add red ribbon to the bows for the first time and I really love how it just feels so quentissentially Christmas.

The red velvet ribbon was found at Michael's early in the season where they had already marked it down 50%. I also found these beautiful baubles there.

I just nestled them in so that this would feel a bit more grand when it first greets you. Soft gold ribbon, small white poinsettias and beaded fruit add just a little bit more visual interest.

In the niche at the top of the stairs, I did a grouping of faux poinsettias surrounding a very special chair.

This darling chair was mine when I was a little girl and it has been in our attic because it needs to be made more sturdy.
I'm thinking that might be a project for the New Year!

I thought it would be the perfect way to achieve some height in the space.

With these nesting boxes sitting on the chair and done up with a buttery yellow bow, it provides just that little extra 'something' the niche was calling for.

These topiaries stand on either side of my front door year round. I was going to put in battery powered white lights but...do you know how much those cost? It was something like, $5 for a box of 10. Ummmm. that would only cover, like, 3 leaves on that topiary.

So, instead, I trimmed them with the same buttery yellow ribbon and I think they look festive even without the lights!

On my antique drum table in the entry I placed a simple creamy toned poinsettia and have this book opened to the appropriate page. As with the topiaries, I think having some spaces that are simplified, really helps to give the eye a chance to rest from the explosion of color that is everywhere else.

And, here is how it looks all lit up at night!


Thanks for letting me show you our entry all dressed up for the party. I look forward to continuing on with the Christmas tour this week! From this Southern Girl at Heart,
Vanessa

Linking to these parties
Coastal Charm Christmas Open House
Metamorphosis Monday
The Nester
Tabletop Tuesday

Where the Magic Happens!

Where we do life...where we play...where mommy doesn't care about ornament placement...where Christmas really comes to life.

This is where the magic happens!

Last year I realized that we could squeeze in a very narrow "faux" tree in our Family Room and it has now become a beloved part of our Christmas decor. 

Ian picked out the train to use this year and got it all set up.

Nothing says Christmas like a CAT Construction Train! 

The cranberry garland and ribbons are all slightly askew thanks to little hands taking ornaments on and off...and on and off...and on and off...you get the picture. I think it gives it added charm!

This is where all of the fun ornaments make their appearance!

Ian made this little angel in Sunday School when he was 3.

The little girl in this ornament is Yours Truly!

I absolutely adore these little block ornaments and they are perfect on our Family Tree.

This side table sits next to the tree and has one of our 3 nativities.

I found this one at Costco a few years ago and I love how it is "nice" but not too nice for little fingers. The pieces are solid and sturdy but it is a step up from plastic Nativity sets. And, the entire set fits inside the stable for easy storage.

Above it hangs this wreath which I found as part of the Fall Clearance at a local craft store. The colors work perfectly for Christmas too though. It had been $40 and I got it for $12!

On either side of the Nativity I used existing topiaries but wrapped them in this rustic beaded garland.

In front of the fireplace sits this basket filled with all of our Christmas Books. The kids get a new one each year and we have quite the collection now!

On top of our built-ins is a deep red "faux" Amaryllis that sits behind a darling Carousel which my parents gave the kids 2 years ago. It lights up and spins around and the kids have even named each horse. Lately I have been finding little plastic Woody and Buzz Light year characters going for joy rides!

My simple wooden tray which can withstand a lot of abuse, rests on top of our ottomans/coffee table and it wouldn't be complete without my Southern Living!

This is the 3rd Nativity Set we have in our house. My sister gave it to my son years ago and now my daughter loves to play with it.

Notice any additional characters in this particular scene?

I guess even Weeble Wobbles, Snowglobe Cinderella and Winnie the Pooh recognize a King when they see one!


Don't forget that THIS SATURDAY is the First Annual
Cookie Exchange
at

Hope to see you there!



Linking to
Feathered Nest Friday
My Cottage Charm
Tabletop Tuesday
Tuesday Treasures
Boardwalk Bragfest
Boring to Better
Christmas Open House