Christmas in August?

I was recently looking through some vintage doily patterns, and these pretties from 1950 quickly caught my eye!

They are lovely Holly Wreath Doilies, and I'm so glad there is still plenty of time to crochet some of these to give as Christmas presents this year!

If you look closely, you can see on the second photo that there are two different centers for the two doilies shown. I still don't know which center I like the best. I guess I'll have to make both variations and then decide!

This gorgeous and festive pattern is available at my Etsy shop if you'd like to make some for Christmas presents for your own friends and relatives this year. :)

Valentine's Day Crochet

I've been crocheting up a storm for Valentine's Day...
pretty crochet heart and rose appliques in pink, red, and white!

Crocheted with 100% Cotton Size 10 Crochet Thread, and available for purchase at my Etsy shoppe. :)

Sweetheart Gift Bags

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I decided to crochet some "Sweetheart Gift Bags." They're the perfect size for candy or little presents. I think they look nice just hanging as a decoration, too... and will probably make some of these for my Christmas tree this year.

Available for purchase at my ETSY shop.

Oh, Christmas tree! Oh, Christmas tree!

My sister's Christmas tree...
So pretty I had to share!

Christmas Goodies

I love Christmas tins decorated with frosty snowmen and little birds...

teddy bears, presents, and holly.

Especially when there's something inside!

Hey! What's hiding in there?

Are those cookies?

Yes! These are cookies!

The yummiest, Soft Sugar Cookies I have ever eaten!

Perfect for the holidays!

Soft Sugar Cookies

(These are a drop cookie... no rolling required!)

Cream together the following 3 ingredients until light and fluffy.

2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup SOFT butter (do not melt)
1 1/2 cups sugar


Add the following ingredients to creamed mixture and mix well.

2 eggs
3 t. vanilla extract
1 t. salt
2 t. baking powder

Gently fold in the following ingredient. Do not over-mix.

3 1/2 cups flour

Use a small melon scoop to measure out the dough, and roll into small balls. Roll cookie dough balls in sugar (colored decorator sugar would be nice). Place sugared cookie dough balls on ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.

Makes 6 dozen cookies.

Yum!

Update: Brown Eyed Baker is hosting a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer Giveaway. The deadline to enter and submit your favorite holiday recipe is Dec. 10th. I submitted this recipe, and to see what everyone else has submitted... and to enter... click HERE! :)

Fourth of July Fun

Boat Parade at the Inlet

A lone bird...

And fabulous fireworks! What a great day!

An Easter Tradition

Pickled eggs... just like Mom used to make. :)

Recipe:

12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
2 (15 0z.) cans of red beets
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. vinegar (apple cider or white)

Drain liquid from beats into saucepan. Stir in sugar and vinegar. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low and simmer 10-15 minutes.

Put eggs and beets into large jar or container of your choice. Pour the beat juice mixture over the beets and eggs. Put lid on container and refrigerate for at least one day before eating. (They taste best after a few days.)

*After I made these, I wondered how long they would keep in the fridge. Check out THIS SITE to find out.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Easter

Valentine's Day Surprise

Thanks, Honey!

My Very Merry Christmas

Thanks, Honey!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I've been busy decorating for Christmas, and just wanted to share some pics. Enjoy! (Click on pics to enlarge.)