Christmas Home 2012- Simple

Welcome to our Christmas home.

It’s all about enjoying our surroundings during this time of year.
My son and I are fighting the flu and it seems as if Mr.M may catch it as well,

so there’s a lot of coughing, sniffles,...

We just want to cozy up by the fireplace, drink our liquids and rest.

I kept my décor very simple this year, a tree and little reminders here and there.

Here is a collection of photos.

Gifts
More of the fireplace here.

Merry Christmas !
Garlands Here.

Linking to:
Not Just a House Wife
The Nester " Christmas Tour of Homes"
Savvy Southern Style

Wreath Makeover

Hello friends.  Before I begin, I just want to share my deepest sympathy with the families
in Newton, Conn.  My heart goes out to all the families who lost loved ones and
suffered through this whole ordeal.  Our prayers are with them.

Allow me to begin my post.

My traditional wreath was old and in very bad shape.  It had been in the attic throughout
the hot summer months, most of the decorations melted off and the rest were falling apart.

I decided to take my dated wreath and give it a face lift with some plastic

vintage ornaments and boy am I glad I did.  I love it!
I traded my traditional look for a whimsical one, bright and colorful.

I was inspired by the Pottery Barn wreath on the cover of their catalog,
 but because I didn't have enough ornaments,

I just used what I had on hand to make it my own.

All I used was; the old wreath, floral wire, scissors to cut wire, & ornaments.

After removing all the old wreath's decor,
I simply wired the ornaments one at a time to a single branch on the wreath .  

Twisted it around until it was secure, ornament after ornament, side by side.

Now I have a lovely whimsical bright wreath.

It looks so cheery and bright.
Is there an old wreath that needs some TLC in your attic?
I hope that you have a safe and happy week.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix in a Bucket

I have a sweet gift idea recipe for you guys today.  I have made this yummy

Hot Cocoa recipe, tried it and loved it!  It's perfect for neighbors, teachers, co workers and more.

To make this Hot Cocoa Recipe Mix you will need the following:

• 4 cups of instant dry milk
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups sugar, if you like it super sweet you may add more to your mix.
• 1 cup powered creamer
• 2/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 package of instant store bought chocolate or vanilla mix pudding (optional)
• chocolate chips (will melt and make the cocoa taste like melted candy bars)
• (optional) add cinnamon to mix about a tablespoon or so, it makes it delicious

   Steps 1 - 4.  Mix all the ingredients into a dry large bowl; the dry milk, sugar, powdered creamer...

   Step 5.  This is optional, but I grinded my chocolate chips and added it to the mix.  

   You may keep your chips whole if you wish.

   Step 7.  This is also optional, add your pudding mix to the ingredients, I had vanilla on hand.  

   This just makes the cocoa creamier and rich in flavor.

   Step 8.  Add your cocoa powder.

Use a whisk to stir everything together, if the cocoa mix clumps, just smash the little balls with a fork.

When everything is evenly distributed, transfer into a clean mason jar, sealed canister or coffee can.

This recipe makes about 15 cups of Hot Cocoa.

Decorate your mason jar or coffee can as you wish and add marshmallows.

Add instructions on how to make the cocoa.  

For this recipe the instructions should read:

Add 1/3 cup of mix to mug and add Hot water 

or hot milk, top with marshmallows if desired.  Enjoy!
Psst!  For extra rich flavor, add brown sugar and enjoy.

You may add one or two mugs to your gift or place it in a basket for gift giving.
Get creative and use your imagination.

The way I love to make my cocoa is by warming up the milk in a sauce pan
and add my cocoa mix to the milk stirring it for a minute, then I pour it into my
mug and top it off with marshmallows, cinnamon and whip cream, oh how yummy!
  I hope that you enjoy it.