Framed Series

So, I mentioned that my sister recently moved into a new place, and she hinted that she'd like to frame some photos for the walls. Enter Christmas and a modest budget we mutually agreed to, and framing photos became an attractive option as her gift.

I began looking through my photos from the last year, and a lot of my favorites were either trees or leaves. Not sure what that tells me, but I put these six together for her and framed them in some frames I got for $1.99 this summer at the Christmas Tree Shoppe in New Hampshire.

I was happy with the result and I think she liked them, too. Or she hung them up anyway, so I think that's a good sign. Makes me want to print some for myself - which reminds me of the wall of frames I posted about here....eek, that was over a year ago and I still haven't done it. Oh well, it's a new year and maybe with that will come some new motivation!

I also did this print for my dad and father-in-law. This was a picture of Mount Washington we took when we were in New Hampshire this summer. I liked this as well, but the mountains turned out a little dark in the actual print.

We are having a warm, cozy New Year's Eve at home this year. No special plans, just hanging out, eating good food and relaxing. I can never help but feel reflective at the end of the year, and this year is no exception. I am so very grateful for my family, my friends and for God's provision and blessings in our lives.

I'm looking forward to a New Year and thankful as I reflect on the one that has just passed.

I hope you have a very Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

I hope you had a Merry one! I know we did. And my house is still recovering! I'm doing some catching up around here the next few days, but will be back with some new posts in the near future! Happy New Year!

Easy {Delicious} Gift

A couple of years ago I posted here about a great hot cocoa recipe, and I've pulled it out again this year as simple Christmas gift.

It's from the 2008 America's Test Kitchen cookbook, and is super simle to make (and even better to drink). I did a double batch that filled 12 jelly jars perfectly. It'd be cute to pair it with a mug or two and maybe some marshmallows?

Anyway, just thought I'd share. Hope you are enjoying the holiday season!

Best Ever Hot Cocoa Mix

3 cups nonfat dry milk

2 cups confectioners sugar

1 1/2 cups Dutch-processed cocoa (the best we could find was Hershey's "blend" of regular and dutched cocoa)

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix the ingredients in a food processor or blender (may need to split it into two batches). Mix 1/3 cup mix with 1 cup hot milk (that's supposed to be key to it's deliciousness...vs. water). It's really rich, so we've done it with 1/4 cup mix and it's just as good.

Fun Giveaway

I have to introduce you to another of my favorite reads: High-Heeled Foot in the Door. Camilla always has lovely taste and practical ideas...and fun giveaways! Which leads me to today's post, and another something to faun over....La Plates! I will take one of each, please! You can enter to win a set from Camilla today! And keep reading; there are lots of fun giveaways in progress....