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Christmas Cookie Alternatives

Somewhere around now, I start getting a little “cookied” out. The mixing, the rolling, the baking, the decorating start to become more of a chore than an enjoyment. Still, there are cookie exchanges, cookie gifts, holiday parties, etc., when cookies are required. or, are they? If you are getting fed up with cookies, try one of these alternatives. Mini muffins Get a few mini muffin pans and bake up some goodness. These tiny muffin bites are just the thing to take the place of cookies. They can still be popped in the mouth and enjoyed, and a multitude of varieties … Continue reading →

Pervert Ruins My Daughter’s Christmas Tradition

My daughter has been writing letters to Santa since she was two years old. I’ve documented the sweet tradition on this site with parental pride and a touch of sadness knowing that her childhood belief in an oversized gift-bearing elf would not last forever. Little did I know that my daughter’s annual holiday letter writing tradition would come to a screeching halt before she learned the truth about Kris Kringle. Thanks to a pervert in Maryland, my sweet, innocent, Santa-loving five-year-old may not get a reply from Mr. Claus this year. The pervert responsible for ruining this joyous tradition is … Continue reading →

Inexpensive Homemade Candy

If you need a last minute gift that will be well received, think about making some inexpensive homemade candies. Homemade candy can be a bit more festive than the usual Christmas cookies but just as inexpensive. Stick with recipes that are simple but delicious in order to spend the least amount of time and money to create your gifts. Plus, since candy can be very rich, you don’t have to make too much of it to still have a significant gift. You will need something to use to hold and present your homemade candy gifts, so start there. Many pretty … Continue reading →

Menu Planning for Thanksgiving: Two-Three Weeks Ahead

It is time to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner! Thanksgiving is about more than just the turkey of course, it is about friends and family and football and feeling blessed by all of the wonderful things in your life. Okay, now lets get real, it is a little bit about the turkey, and the stuffing, and the mashed potatoes and all of the other food favorites that you get to cook and indulge in once a year. Every family has at least one story revolving around food at Thanksgiving, whether it is a turkey that is so moist it practically … Continue reading →

Bonding Over Sugar

Gingerbread kids have invaded our home. My daughter’s first grade class has adopted Gingerbread Fred as its holiday mascot, and for four days straight she begged me to make him a brother, and a sister, and a dog. I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to fit baking a band of brothers and sisters for a cookie kid into my already tight pre-Christmas schedule. However, thanks to some creative reconfiguring I was able to grant my daughter’s wish. Not only did we bake some sweet siblings for Fred, but we also were able to construct him a gingerbread and … Continue reading →

Chocolate Custard Slice

This is, without doubt, my husband’s all time favorite slice. It comes in three layers. Though it looks fiddly, it’s really not. I wouldn’t make it if it was. Mick’s even been known to make it himself. The advantage is you don’t need the oven to make this slice. Be warned, you will probably need to make double this recipe because you’ll find it goes quickly, especially if you have a sweet tooth in the house. I’ve not yet met anyone who doesn’t like it. Yes, once again it’s gluten free. HINT Please check all labels carefully if you are … Continue reading →

How to Tip Home Service Providers

‘Tis the season for the end of year tipping. In general, you should probably tip anyone who has provided good service to you in your home throughout the year. This includes people such as trash collectors, paper deliverers, and even postal delivery (although some rules apply). Of course, this is a tough season, and you may feel hesitant about being able to afford to tip. Although cash is always appreciated, you can always try alternatives, such as homemade cookies or a wonderful letter to the person’s boss. You can also pool tips with your neighbors. Here are some general guidelines … Continue reading →

Poinsettias Already?

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, Halloween is over. But, I must admit I was a bit stunned when I entered a hardware store today and saw a line of LIVE poinsettias in the greenhouse area. Poinsettias so soon? How would they survive past Thanksgiving? Moreover, could there be people out there who were actually decorating their homes for the holidays when the Halloween candy was still fresh? I came home, did some research and found that poinsettias are hearty plants, which can survive for long periods of time under the right conditions. For example, poinsettias thrive in … Continue reading →