Holiday Grand Plan - Week 4

It's Week 4 of the Holiday Grand Plan! How's it going?

It's another week that presents a real challenge for me - the Master Bedroom. This room tends to be the dumping ground in my house because no one goes in there.  It's where clothes that need to be mended or donated or ironed pile up; it's where toys and books and furniture that the kids don't want in their rooms anymore get stacked; it's where my sewing space is.  I think that about sums it up right there. 

This is a little bit like my office; it never gets to that immaculate Better Homes and Gardens look that I keep in my mind, but it does get a little better every year when I hit this week.  Right now, the bed is made, the ironing and mending is in a giant basket, and the donations have been donated.  My sewing area is far from perfect, but there is a clean work table with just my Star Surround quilt on it. 

I have a friend who cleans her bedroom first because she believes firmly that the whole rest of the house and her family's attitude stems from her having a serene and restful night's sleep.  Isn't that amazing?  I want to be her when I grow up. 

This week we are continuing with the freezer meals and goodies to share.  I'll be making a double batch of Gina's Crock Pot Creamy Tomato Soup on Tuesday, along with the Russian Tea Cakes that are required in our house over the holidays. 

We're adding gift shopping this week.  Remember that list you made?  We're trying to get 1/8 of it bought, wrapped, and ready for shipping.  I will be trying to get my list for shipping to my brother's family taken care of, since they are the only out of towners.  Luckily they are easy because we only shop for the kids, and what could be more fun than shopping for my only niece and nephew...and Batman! 

This is also the week to check your linens and see if anything needs to be replaced.  Guest sheets and towels?  Tablecloths and napkins?  Do you have enough dish towels? 

Have a great week!  I think I've shared these before, but here's Mom's Russian Tea Cake recipe in case you're looking for something to bake.  These freeze beautifully.

Holiday Treat of the Week - Russian Tea Cakes

• 1 C butter
• 1/2 C powdered sugar, plus some for dusting
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/4 C flour
• 3/4 C finely chopped nuts
• 1/4 tsp salt

Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla.  Stir in flour, nuts, and salt.  Shape into 1" balls and bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8-9 minutes.  Immediately roll in more powdered sugar.  Cool and roll again.

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WiP Wednesday - Crimson and Houndstooth

I'm linking up with WiP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

This week's WIP is brought to you by Family Weekend at the University of Alabama.



Every time I talk with Deuce, I ask him if there's anything he needs.  Most of the time, he can't think of anything.  He's a pretty independent kid, and his dorm is walking distance from a Publix.  If he needs it, he goes and gets it.

Plus, his grandmothers and sister have kept him pretty well stocked in cookies since he left.  What more do you really need?

But during one phone call, he thought of something.  He asked if he could have the toss bags from our corn hole game.  Apparently a buddy there has the boards but no bags.  Only now I can't find our game - not the boards or the bags.  Someone put them away after July 4th in a very safe place.  

So I researched a little bit about how to make the bags, ordered some crimson and houndstooth duck cloth from Fabric.com, and started stitching.  Now I'm just waiting for a friend to pick up my feed grade corn kernels so I can fill them and stitch them closed.  I'll be bringing them to him in person in TWO DAYS!

My other WIP is my Social Tote.  My Soft and Stable arrived, so I'm hoping to get the basket assembled and finish the binding so I can bring my hexies in it on our road trip. 

Roll Tide, y'all.



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Holiday Grand Plan - Week 3 - Come on In!

It's Week 3 of the Holiday Grand Plan and we're cleaning out our Entry/Foyer this week.  Unless that's not working for you. 

Last week we were supposed to do the living room, which is when I usually do my office; however, once we decided to have friends over to watch Alabama beat Texas A&M, I called an audible and switched to deep cleaning the family room.

That's what you need to remember about planning ahead.  This is not to stress you out.  This is not to start the holidays way too soon.  This is about the exact opposite - making sure that you get to enjoy and appreciate the season without being overwhelmed by the extra tasks. 

If this week you are expecting company and need to deep clean the guest room instead of the entry, go for it.  If your child's birthday is coming up and you want to get the playroom or their bedrooms taken care of first, that's an awesome idea.  Make it work for you. 

For example, this week's list includes buying two canned items; one to tuck away for a holiday meal and one to donate to the food pantry.  I don't do this.  I can't think of very many canned items I even use anymore, and our food pantry has a wish list of items that I buy when they are on sale. 

This week's traditional list also reminds us to buy film, camera batteries, and blank videotapes.  Raise your hand if you use any of those things.  Yep, that's what I thought.  Just cross it off the list!

The tasks I try never to skip, though, are the freezer meals.  They are a lifesaver even during the "normal" times of the year.  This week's freezer meal is going to be Skinny Chicken Cordon Bleu. 

I also enjoy this week's start to baking and freezing treats.  This is one way to ensure that my old favorites don't get lost in the chaos.  I'll be making a double batch of Peanut Butter Fingers so I can bring some to Deuce on Friday when we visit him for Family Weekend. 

I'm doing the happy dance and counting the days!  Have a great week!



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Going to Guild - Terry Powers

This month's program was by Terry Powers, a local longarm quilter.  She shared her quilt journey with more quilts than can fairly be called a trunk show.  More like a mini-van show!

It was very sweet to see the first "quilt" she made for her bed when she was a newlywed.  It had no batting and a sheet for a back, was tied and well loved.   And then the quilts just kept coming and coming!

She took us through her Georgia Bonesteel hand quilting stage, which was quite impressive, and then through her Bonnie Hunter phase.  Like Bonnie, Terry doesn't make small quilts!  It was interesting to see some of the same designs that Bonnie showed us last month in different colorways or with a change of border.

Love this Blue Ridge Beauty

I still like my Orange Crush best!

Terry's most recent work uses a lot of Buggy Barn Quilts patterns.  These whimsical, scrappy designs are "crazy" and so cute!

After the program, we had an impressive parade of Show and Tell.  The luck of the WannaBees was running high as one of us won each of the three Brown Bag prizes.  Lynn had a few boxes of Girl Scout cookies left, which I stuffed in my bag.  Here's my text to The Pit Boss.

I love that man!



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He's Quite a Catch

One of the most fun days we've had this summer was a Father's Day family reunion/picnic with The Pit Boss's side of the family. There were babies we'd never met from across the country, cousins we haven't seen in ages, and kids who keep growing faster than I can believe.   The lake and fishing were first in my mind, especially after finding this cute idea on Pinterest from Tidy Mom. 

My mother-in-law put me in charge of desserts. I decided that a variety would be better than one giant something to feed fifty people! I happened to stumble across Sweetopia's post about making cookies for a virtual baby shower. Not only did I use a few of the recipes (these Nutella blondies are to DIE for!) but Gracie and I quickly became addicted to her tutorials, recipes, and how-to videos.

After watching the tutorial about making royal icing decorations, Gracie drew a fish and then traced over it with royal icing onto waxed paper.  We used them on a round cookie instead of fiddling with a fish shaped cookie cutter, and also added them to some of the cupcakes.  

They were so easy and turned out great.  (Obviously the tutorial I need to read next is about taking good photographs of food.)  We also made some other cookies, including a few hearts for a little fun with TPB's cousin who is newly in love after a life of cynical disdain, and who has mocked our heart-on-the-sleeve romance for twenty years.   Imagine our delight when, instead of being annoyed, she called her beloved over to the table to take a picture of the cookies!

Isn't love grand?



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Holiday Grand Plan Week 18 - Looks Like We Made It!

It's Week 18 of the Holiday Grand Plan!  We made it! 

This week is for the looking back, the reveling in what worked and the learning for next year what didn't work so well.  Write yourself a note and put it in your calendar for next September 1.

This year I found a few things to be true.  First, we cut way back on the amount of shopping, baking, and decorating.  I left the Dickens Village in the boxes and only made three kinds of cookies; there were a few big gifts under the tree instead of a lot of little things.  I found myself less stressed and calm, right up through the last minute.  Best of all, I had a great time!  And I think my family enjoyed themselves as well.

Second, we entertained slightly more.  Not the grownups, because they are high maintenance, but we had more kids here.  I love that my son's friends like to hang out at our house.  I love that they feel comfortable here.  The boys were surprised when I mentioned this, but the truth is that I'd rather feed them breakfast than have to wait up, worrying, for my own child or someone else's to get home safely.  I'd rather buy Dr. Pepper by the case and bagels by the dozen than wonder if my son was at a home where the parents are friends instead of parents.  I had a great time listening to Grace and her friends starting to whisper about boys and what they really wanted for Christmas. 

Third, I made a concerted effort to appreciate what we have.  Unfortunately we have a few friends who had a less than stellar holiday season.  One is in the hospital with her son after a bone marrow transplant.  One friend lost her dad suddenly the week before Thanksgiving.  There are more stories like this all around us.  Despite the economic hard times or the people who didn't make it home for the big dinner, I felt like it would be a horrible insult to those friends to complain that the kids left a mess or that The Pit Boss had to work late again.  Life is good.  Treasure every minute. 

In order to get the family in on this, I asked them to write a letter to each of the four grandparents thanking them for the huge part they play in our lives.  Shopping for them is a challenge, and no matter what I buy each year it never seems enough to express how grateful I am for their presence, support, time, and love.  We are so blessed to have all four of them healthy, busy, and living within a 7 mile radius.  I took a quick peek and welled up at the things they remember and love.  Everyone likes to be thanked, and I know my parents and in-laws will appreciate it. 

On the topic of thank yous, write your notes this week while everything is fresh in your mind, and have your kids write them too.  Don't let them hang over your head into 2012. 

Last, take down the tree and swap out your decorations for New Year's Eve.  We don't decorate for New Year's because we typically go to a friend's house for a bit.  However, the tree will be down before midnight on the 31st, in honor of The Pit Boss's superstition tradition.

I hope the last week of 2011 brings you peace and reflection on the past year and the next one.   


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Johns Creek Farmer's Market

I am so proud of my new little city!

Just a few years ago, our unincorporated area voted to become an independent city.  Living in one of the largest and most diverse counties anywhere, there were times when we felt that our community's needs were getting lost in the crowd.

Since that time our leaders have had some big ideas.  One of my favorite movements has been to make use of our great park space.  What was once an asphalt track around the recreation department fields and tennis courts has now become a gathering place for all ages. 

Last summer they started a community garden.  Each day as we walked by we would notice the corn growing taller or the beautiful vegetables on the vine.  In late spring, the dog park was completely revamped, thanks to a grant from Beneful.  We haven't been there yet - I'm waiting for the crowds to die down a bit - but it's on the list. 

Today was the first day of the Farmer's Market.  Mom and I were so excited to get up there right when it opened, and we weren't disappointed. 

David's Garden was there with his freshly canned jams, chow-chow, pickles, vegetable soup, and so much more!  Mom bought peach preserves, and David generously promised to send her a recipe for canning her figs.  Her tree is loaded, but she hasn't had much luck finding a recipe online.  Sadly, the one my great-grandmother used to use has apparently been lost.

Wally Bee's was there with local honey, beeswax candles, and other beeswax items.  I had just bought honey last week (doh!) but he is on my list for future purchases. 

Pappardelle's Pasta had a beautiful and intriguing selection of homemade pasta, including ten gluten free flavors.  I bought the garlic fettuccine to play it safe for the first time, but the orzo is definitely on my radar for next time. 

Essential Light Aroma offered a beautiful selection of diffusers, creams, sprays, and other aromatherapy items.  I'm especially intrigued by the flea spray (not for me - for the dogs!).  If anyone knows my husband personally, you could put a bug in his ear that I really really really like the Night Fragrance diffuser.  Also remind him that my birthday is Tuesday. 

There were several produce stands, including The Veggie Patch, Mountain Earth Farms, and Burnell Farms, where I picked up some gorgeous tomatoes. 

Last, I bought some creamy and delicious type of mozzarella, the name of which I should have written down because I can't remember, from CalyRoad Creamery.   I also didn't take a picture of these artisan cheeses because I was too busy sampling them chatting with the owner, Robin.

There were several vendors with bread, including Freshly Milled Breads, who had both healthy Ezekiel bread and yummy cookies and pies, and Belle's Breads, who made theirs with sage honey.  It is supposed to have a lower glycemic index, good for diabetics.  It was also very soft, honey wheat that I think my kids would love. 

It was a wonderful way to spend the morning.  We sipped coffee from CoffeeM, saw several neighbors and friends, pet the many well-behaved dogs, and tasted so many yummy things.  Special thanks to Leslie Guria of Fresh From Your Kitchen who helped organize and make this possible. 

I'm looking forward to next week when Leslie expects additional vendors to join us, including Little Red Hen with fresh eggs and poultry, and Just Butter with shea butter soaps and lotions. 



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Snips from a Snow Day

All that rain and sleet from Wednesday evening resulted in school being canceled on Thursday.  The roads that were disastrous at 5:30 AM were fine by 10, so I ran to the grocery store for cookie makings.  Some people were irritated and angry about the change, but that's just life in the south.  We get so few days of wintry weather that the snowplows and salt trucks are simply not worth it.  We prefer to close everything down and have a pajama day.  By the next morning, all will be right with the world.

The trick to keeping your sanity when this happens, even on the last possible day to get things done while the kids are in school, is to look at it as a happy surprise day together with no obligations instead of an interruption.  The roads that were disastrous at 5:30 AM were fine by 10, so I ran to the grocery store for cookie makings.  I can't think of a more wonderful way to spend the day than with all my chicks under my roof, happily working and chatting together. 

We had such a lovely day!  First we made pistachio brittle, and showed Gracie how a candy thermometer works.

Then we made RPM's, those Rolo/pretzel, m&m thingys that apparently have no real name.

 

Last we made Russian tea cakes and robin's nest cookies, both of which required the kids to work together, rolling the cookie dough and the blue fondant icing.  As they reached across one another, I couldn't believe the size of my kids' hands!  I know they are big, but I remember so vividly each of those tiny hands grasping mine when they were infants.  Where has the time gone?  When did they become so capable?  They hardly needed me there at all, except to ask "Did you set the timer?" [Yes.] 

I'm not done with my Christmas preparation, but I'm feeling so calm.  So NOT stressed.  Where does that come from?  How can I duplicate it next Christmas or at other busy times of the year?  I think I've managed, somehow, to let it go.  Maybe knowing that this Christmas is not going to be a WOW! year for two totally separate reasons has helped me lower expectations and enjoy the season.

Financially it isn't going to be an over-the-top holiday.  Somehow instead of making me anxious, that has given me some freedom to relax.  There is simply nothing I can do about it.  Don't get me wrong, we're not hungry and I can put gas in the car and there will be Christmas; it just won't be a TV sitcom Christmas.

And the other reason, which is on the other end of the spectrum, is that my kids haven't asked for much.  The boys both want some music equipment, but instead of asking for it they both asked for gift cards to help them save up for it.  Gracie wants a flatiron.  Yes, for her hair.  I have no idea.

My oldest, who will be 16 on December 27th, made me so proud and baffled at the same time the other day.  I asked what he'd like to do to celebrate.  He thought for a moment and said, "Chinese would be good."

Me:  "Okay.  Do you want to go to PF Chang's or Lin's or try someplace new?"

Him:  "We could just get takeout."

Me:  "Chinese takeout?  For your 16th birthday?  You can have what you want, but your dad and I thought it would be fun to go someplace special.  Chinese takeout is like...Thursday."

Him:  "It's all fun to me."

How can you not love that boy?  I am so proud that they are not super materialistic (and don't get me wrong, they have plenty of cool stuff).  At the same time, it makes them tricky to shop for!  It's hard to get all excited when he says, "I could use a new pair of jeans."  Like clothing him isn't already my parental obligation!

I hope you are all having a serene Advent season, free of the worries of our materialistic society.  I have no idea what I did to deserve it, but I'm loving every second. 

Cookies and the Perfect Evening

Yesterday was a strange and beautiful day.  Circumstance arranged for all of my children to be home before four with no sports or music or friends scheduled.  The house was quiet as they all studied and did homework by the glow of the Christmas tree while I started dinner. 

My middle one, the one I call Bear, said how much he wished there were cookies, which led to browsing through my favorite holiday cookbooks and recipes.  Gracie had never (that she remembers) made Spritz cookies and was intrigued by the press, so we made some dough.

Part way through the mixing, Daddy walked in the door!  Turns out he had an appointment near home and decided not to go all the way back to work for such a short time.  He suggested a date night, but we postponed it since I already had a chicken in the oven and we were in the middle of the cookies.

It was a good thing - shortly thereafter, all heck broke loose on Atlanta's highways.  Hundreds of accidents, dozens of roads closed, people stranded on the highway, and my poor cousin who was waiting at home with his kids while his wife was trapped at an office holiday party after the road into the subdivision was shut down!  I've never been so happy to have all my chicks under one roof.

I don't know if it's just me, but Spritz cookies always seem like such a good idea.  The dough has few ingredients that are almost always on hand.  The press seems like it should be easier than rolling out and cutting cookies.  But it isn't.  It always takes me several tries to get even two dozen cookies, and by the end I remember why I don't make these all the time.  Anyone else?  Tips?  Or should I just pitch the press?

Eventually the cookies were pressed and sprinkled and baked.  The chicken and rice were ready, warm comfort food for our bodies while our souls were nourished by the three lit candles and the prayers of the Advent wreath.  And after dinner, cookies by the fire. 

All six of us, counting Daisy, cuddled on the couch and flipped between a Disney Pixar special and the weather updates and talked about our days and the days ahead.  My oldest has exams this week, the Bear has a performance on Friday morning, and Gracie has a piano recital on Saturday. 

And then my husband reached around behind one of the kids and the dog and touched my hand and said, "I'm so glad we stayed home.  This was the best."

Who needs Christmas presents? 

Going to Guild

Monday was guild night, and one of the most fun ever! First of all, I have to share this recipe with you. It was my turn to bring a sweet snack, so I brought these Self Frosting Oatmeal Cookies that were just yummy!

Then we moved onto the fun stuff - hand dyeing fabric with Marquetta Johnson.

Not only is Marquetta extraordinarily gifted, she is a hoot! We laughed all night, especially when the Quilt Police in the guild (you know who you are) kept worrying about their folding techniques being exactly perfect. Marquetta would just say, "tuck it under until it's happy and it will be beautiful!" It was definitely an exercise in relinquishing control for a few of us.

Marquetta taught us some basic folding techniques to use with her water conservation/clean dyeing method. This is especially critical in the metro Atlanta area where drought is an ongoing problem. It's nice to know that the earth doesn't have to suffer for this art. Plus, as anyone who has every tie-dyed knows, rinsing is the worst part! Then we got to work with the dyes. Gracie had a great time - I purchased a separate kit for her so we didn't have to compromise on color choices. Now she has her very own stash of hand dyed fat quarters to fondle. I am creating a monster in my own image! It was a fun way to end our summer guild nights together. Once school starts she won't be able to be out so late on a Monday night.



Then comes the waiting - the pretty bundles had to sit in the sun to dry.



And voila! Here is a little slide show of our finished FQs.



I would highly recommend this program to any guild. Best of all, it is a clean technique that we did in our regular meeting space in less than 2 hours. And for those of you who aren't interested in dyeing fabric yourself, Marquetta brought some of her own gorgeous fabric that we could buy.

What was your guild's best program this year?