wunderbar christmas cookies

During the holidays, there are some simple traditions that honor those we love.

I baked these springerle cookies in honor of my Mother who is 85 and still baking.

I use this recipe found here last year.

Here they are set on the parchment paper pressed and cut into squares to dry overnight or at least 12 hours before baking.  The tiny seeds you see are crushed anisette seeds which has a sort of licorice flavor.   The wooden mold that I use was given to me by my Mother.  I love the simple shapes, birds, bees, and creatures.

After baking they "spring" up and the surface becomes hard like a thin layer of plaster.

I saved a recipe which called for a confectioner's glaze which I tried.

It gives to cookies a lovely finish.  They are lovely to share with friends.

 Do you have "wunderbar" holiday traditions that you carry on?
Just in case you don't know, "Wunderbar means wonderful" in German.

monday motivation - deck the halls

There's no place like home for the holidays, especially a new home.

 A new home and the holidays are very motivating.

A house to decorate, the tree to trim, the poinsettia's to plant, the gifts to wrap and the holiday cards to sign seal and deliver.

The image of this special home is all decked out for the holidays and ready to celebrate.

As an artist, creative license is motivating, I added the garland, the poinsettias and the scarlet ribbons.

The square pillars are all wrapped up to look like boxed gifts with red ribbons.

Do you find the holidays motivating?

Are your halls decked out and ready to celebrate?
Cheers to you and your home all decked out!

Thrilled with my client's wonderful testimonial;
"It's not often when your antique dealer, florist, accountant, grandmother and sister-in-law agree unanimously on something, well, they all have plus every other person we sent our custom drawn PVE Christmas cards to! They all loved, loved them! Through your artwork, you have captured our hopes, dreams, and especially the spirit of our home and of us. Thank you for introducing our new home with your gifted hands and mind."

festivity and goodwill

The holiday season truly is all about festivity and good will.  Open your doors, host a little festive party and share a bit of goodwill to those that might need a little joy.  Wishing each of you a wonderful weekend full of festivities and good will.

checking my list

Many friends have announced to me that they just don't feel in the spirit to send a holiday card this year.
Question, do you still send a card to those that may have divulged that they are in fact scratching the entire sending of cards?  I am checking my list and plan to send cards to those who might need a little spirit lifting.  Thanks to each of you of who do take the time to send cards.  With every card I write and send, I feel a little "Christmas."  Do you send cards?

boxwood wreaths

Beautiful boxwoods seem to be calling my name.

I found this one here at Boxwoods.

How darling would they be hung on the backs of chairs or at each place setting for a festive dinner.

I adore a classic preserved boxwood wreath.

  A friend told me she had bought one for her door.

I admire boxwood topiaries, wreaths and garlands.

What sort of wreath do you hang?

december wedding love

Just a little snippet from a December wedding last weekend which I worked at, capturing the love.  These bridesmaids were so chic in their long navy skirts and crisp white cotton shirts.  I loved that the gal on the far right had her hands in her pockets.  I love deep pockets and weddings in December.

monday motivation - loving others

 "My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?" ~ Bob Hope

I don't know about you, but the holidays should be simple and our motivation should be about loving others.  As my Father loves to say as Bob Hope said, "Why do we have to wait for Christmas?"

Yesterday, I went to a concert of Handel's Messiah in Irvington.  I sat there and listened to the beautiful voices and thought about love and how the holidays can be sad for some and joyful for others.  We can each find motivation in doing something simple to show our love.  Love your neighbor, your family, a friend or even a creature today and feel your heart grow.  What sorts of old-fashioned or modern ways do you show love at Christmas?

Winner of the Smashbox gift-away goes to Patti, Winner was selected by random number.

sunday sparkle

silence is golden, but this little glitter cosmetic bag would be a scream to give.  after all it is a great price.  found it over here at duex lux.

silver and gold or other colors are available.  do you like a little sparkle during the month of december?

pucker up (gift-away lipstick)

Are you ready?  

Pucker up and prepare to give those lips a holiday gift of lip color!

Sure, you know what I mean, you could very well find yourself standing under a sprig of mistletoe, so today pucker up those pretty lips and pick out a smash box holiday lip stick, gel, or plumper.

 Smashbox is all about rich lasting lip color.

Now pucker up and pick out a new lipstick....tell me which one you would choose?

I will be back monday and announce the winner.

US only and please be sure to leave your e-mail or link to your blog so may contact you.

Winner is Patti16, winner was chosen via random number.

in the raw

 On Thanksgiving day, one guest brought a beautiful raw kale salad that she literally massaged with lemon juice, garlic, onion, mirin rice wine, olive oil, salt and served as a side dish.  It was an incredibly refreshing companion to many traditional thanksgiving sides.  Another guest brought a raw salad with the most lovely dressing.  Both salads were a refreshing addition to a Classic Thanksgiving.

One dear guest and wonderful (blog) friend began her journey of eating "in the raw" several months ago and the benefits have been amazing to watch as well as be inspired by this lovely lady.  She has lost weight, has more energy and has embraced eating raw as a way of life.  The other guests were all a bit envious of her svelte and sexy figure in her stunning little black dress.  Here she is with her daughter who complimented her mother on her discipline and transformation.  Did I mention she is the Mother of four children?

I think a good way to start with eating more raw is to replace a meal with a raw salad.  As we enter into the holiday season and plates of sweets tempt each of us, dedicating one meal to raw, green, freshness will add vitality to your body and mind.  Perhaps you might be interested in eating raw, please visit "Art House Design" - Victoria will be happy to inspire you by adding raw radiance in your life, your diet and your home.