Christmas Collage Gift Tags

I think homemade gift tags are little works of art. I have always admired them and thought I would give it a try. So, out came the glue stick, antiquing ink and some glitter. I'm wrapping the gifts in white tissue paper with some aqua ribbon and attaching these special gift tags for two of my girlfriends Christmas presents. I think I will have to make some more, they were quite fun to create. The graphics fairy has the most awesome images.

Blessings

Peppermint Bark

This year I think I am going to make this peppermint and chocolate yummy candy for Christmas gifts. It reminds me of the peppermint mocha lattes at my favorite coffee shop available during the Christmas season. Not to mention it looks pretty darn cute in the shape of a snowflake. A cellophane bag and a sweet little tag is all that is needed for a beautiful presentation.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag of chocolate chips (any kind you like)

1 bag of white chocolate chips

24 mini candy canes, crushed *do not crush using a food processor – place candy canes in a zip lock bag and use a hammer to crush into small pieces

DIRECTIONS:

Line the bottom of a 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Pour (brown) chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave chocolate chips in increments of 30 seconds stirring the chips each time until chocolate chips have completed melted and mixture is smooth. Spread melted chocolate as evenly as possibly into lined pan. Place pan into freezer for 20 minutes. Repeat the same melting process with the white chips. While chocolate is still smooth, stir in half of the crushed candy cane mixture. Allow the white chocolate to slightly cool for a minute. Remove pan from freezer and spread white chocolate/crushed candy canes mixture on top of the chocolate layer. Spread white chocolate as quickly as possible. Top off with remaining crushed candy cane and gently pat down with the back of a spatula. Return pan to freezer for 20 minutes. Remove from freezer and gently lift the whole mixture from the pan with a butter knife. You should now have a solid sheet of peppermint bark. Remove parchment paper and break into pieces. Store any left over bark in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer. Enjoy!

*if white chocolate chips do not melt smooth, stir in 2 tablespoons of shortening.



Blessings,

Things I want to do more of

Some of the things that I want to do this summer

Write in my art journal
Nap outside
Ride my vintage bike
Spend quiet time writing at my local coffee shop

I just LOVE everything about the lazy days of summer.

What are you going to be up to this summer?

Blessings,

Coastal Poster Art

I am always on the look out for anything coastal. I came across these great coastal posters here. You can download them for free.

I love the whitewashed frames, OH, so beachy.

Blessings,

Reading For Pleasure

It's been a long time since I've posted anything. I am slowing getting back to a normal routine with a little more free time.

Now that school is finally over maybe I can reclaim my life. I have a tiny bit of time before I start studying for my certification exam and it's feels so good to be able to read novels again instead of text books. Last week I finished James Patterson's, I Alex. His books are a quick read and I was able to relax in the pool and read as well. Did I just say relax? Is that word still in my vocabulary? So, since I read that novel so fast I popped over to the library to see what goodies they had that would intrigue me. Well, intrigue me they did, 6 novels later and I was busy stacking my bedside table. OK, two books were for my husband and four for me. I enjoy the writings of Karen White, I read one of her previous novels, The Memory Of Water. In fact I have that book sitting on my mantle. I like to use books that pertain to the sea or have beachy look as lifts for accessories.

Review of The Lost Hours by Amazon.com

When Piper Mills was twelve, she helped her grandfather bury a box that belonged to her grandmother in the backyard. For twelve years, it remained untouched.

Now a near fatal riding accident has shattered Piper’s dreams of Olympic glory. After her grandfather’s death, she inherits the house and all its secrets, including a key to a room that doesn’t exist—or does it? And after her grandmother is sent away to a nursing home, she remembers the box buried in the backyard. In it are torn pages from a scrapbook, a charm necklace—and a newspaper article from 1939 about the body of an infant found floating in the Savannah River. The necklace’s charms tell the story of three friends during the 1930s— each charm added during the three months each friend had the necklace and recorded her life in the scrapbook. Piper always dismissed her grandmother as not having had a story to tell. And now, too late, Piper finds she might have been wrong.

I'm always interested in what others are reading. So tell me..... What book is next to your bed?

Beautiful Contemplation

This music video by Amy Lee is so hauntingly beautiful...

Blessings,

Crochet Shawl Sweater

With the temps on the nippy side here in Florida, my thoughts are turning to warm and cozy sweaters. I still refuse to put a coat on but a fluffy sweater will do me just fine. I figure if I walk really fast from the car I won't be so cold. I love the look of a shawl but wanted some sleeves. I searched and found this little lovely. I think she will be the one...

I think an antique brooch would be perfect to hold the corner in place. I'll have to dig through my Mother's jewelry.

This is the yarn that I have, it has a nice soft feel and I think it will be perfect.

Now, I think it's time to pour a latte, settle into my comfy chair and get this project underway.

I hope your day is filled with comfort....

Blessings,