homemade marshmallows

For the past few years, I have tried to make a new candy confection over the Christmas season to bag and give out to friends. This year, I knew I wanted to tackle homemade marshmallows.

Using the techniques from these two recipes, I created the basic marshmallow. Then I saw this idea and loved it.

Making marshmallows is not difficult, but it does take time and a little patience. Oh, and you should just be prepared for a gooey, sticky mess.

Its inevitable.

What starts as just humble gelatin....

ps..do you know what gelatin is made out of? If not, dont look it up.

...soon turns to this!

And after a few hours in the fridge....

Marshmallows!

These keep for about a week. They are yummy in hot chocolate, dipped in fondue, or just plain!

And, regrettably, I probably consumed half of them myself.

christmas

Christmas 2010

{in pictures}

gifts

Nothing too special, but I like to change up my wrapping from year to year. This year was brown paper, striped ribbon, and twine.

I really like simple wrapping. Throughout the year I stock up on plain brown paper (not the thick craft paper--too hard to fold) and plain white paper from Michaels. I always have a supply of ribbons and twine on hand to help create cute packages.



Also, this year I copied my sweet friend and placed my tree in a large galvanized bucket. We have one for holding drinks during summer bbqs, and this was such a cute way to hold our tree this year. I have a feeling this has replaced our normal tree stand.

This year, more than ever, I have been reminded about how trivial gifts can be. That we should really be focused on giving throughout the season. With this is mind, Peter and I were more conscious about what we gave to our family and how we spent our money. There are definitely less gifts under the tree, but Christmas is just as sweet.

But that doesn't mean what is under the tree shouldn't look cute !

deck the halls

Christmas on Pine Street

friday night

Tonight, we ended a long work week by picking out our Christmas tree.

{noble fir. seven feet}





Keeping with our tradition, we went out for burgers and ice cream after.
Healthy, I know.

Moo Creamy is the ONLY place I order burgers. (I much prefer homemade) But Moo burgers are too good to resist.


turkey burger and hand-mixed fountain cherry coke


peppermint oreo sundae


Good news: The tree is up and my house already smells sooo good.

Not so good news: I am still stuffed.

sunday afternoons

Every Sunday afternoon, Peter and I take Scully out for a walk.
It feels like our last chance to relax before the hectic week begins.
Our last chance to talk. About anything and everything. Or our last chance to be quiet and just walk.

Its also my chance to clearly state how much I DONT want to go to work tomorrow.

{in case he didn't know}

We have been taking these Sunday walks since we were engaged and lots of important decisions have been discussed on these mini excursions.
Where to live? What job to take? When to move? What house to buy? Dog? Babies?
What team to choose on Amazing Race??



It also gives us a chance to enjoy the little town we live in. Sure. We don't have fancy walking trails, or a big grocery store, or a Target, or anything vaguely close to a Target.

But, we do have old houses. And big trees. And almond orchards. And fields. And most importantly, friendly, familiar faces that we see on our Sunday walks.
And that is just right for us.


As I listen to Christmas music and unpack my decorations, I dont want to forget about our Sunday walks in the fall.

wreath

Coffee filter wreath.
So I have been noticing these wreaths around the internet world lately and not really thinking twice about them. And then this girl posted a super cute white one on her facebook and I was sold.

The crafting bug does not usually bite me, so when it does, I have to act on it.
So after a trip to Target for the coffee filters and Michaels for the foam wreath and straight pins, I was ready to go.


I will not lie, this project took a considerable amount of time. Thankfully, it was quite simple. Which is good, because I sometimes find my brain cells a little depleted after a long day of work.

I just turned on the tv, watched Pioneer Woman show Bobby Flay who's boss, and starting pinning.



I really loved the way it turned out! Perfect for fall. I think I might make one for Christmas, using white filters and possibly some gold spray paint.

Just need to wait for that crafting bug to come bite me again...

making whoopie

Whoopie Pies, that is.
Pumpkin whoopie pies to be exact.


I have wanted to make these treats for a while now and hosting our small group tonight presented the perfect opportunity.



Although they were a bit time consuming, they turned out cute, and more importantly, tasted great.




I followed this recipe but changed the frosting.
Cream cheese frosting was suggested in some reviews. And in my world, cream cheese frosting wins out every time.