Hot Apple Cider & a Case of the Sniffles

It's November and cold weather has set in, time for some delicious hot apple cider.

I grabbed what I had on hand for this recipe.  

• 2 cups of apple cider
• 1 teaspoon of whole allspice
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon of whole cloves
• 3 teaspoons of brown sugar
• 2 star-shaped anises optional (garnish)
• apple optional (garnish)

 As I poured the cider into a small saucepan, I turned on the heat to high.
I added the spices first, the whole allspice, cinnamon sticks,
whole cloves and then the brown sugar.

You do have the option to wrap the allspice and cloves in a cheesecloth and then
add it to the pot.  I simply strained everything instead.
Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat and keep it warm.
Pour it into a cup and add garnish if you wish, then serve.
I added my anise star and cinnamon stick.
You can also add an apple slice as I did below to impress guests.  

Enjoy!

Wrapping Wall Station Inspiration

PotteryBarn

I've been working on a few things, and I wanted to give you an 

idea of what one of my little projects is about.  I have seen several nice wrapping 

wall stations around the internet, and let me just say that they are pretty expensive.  

You know me, waste not want not, so I'm on a mission to create my own.

I've been gathering photos for inspiration and plan on using them to make the station that is right for me.

So I have started gathering materials from my garage. I have found wood and other pieces lying around to make this happen.  It's time to cut and glue.  Stay tuned for the reveal coming soon.  For now, enjoy these inspirations.

 

images above:potterybarn

 

 Enjoy!

Hurricane Sandy

We will like to take a moment to extend our thoughts and support to everyone that was impacted by Hurricane Sandy in the North East.  We are from New York and have many family and friends there.  We understand the difficulties and frustrations associated with cleaning up, rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives.  

Many are still without power and many have lost everything.  Our hearts and prayers are with them.  Like many people, if you are wondering how to help those who have been unfortunate in this disaster, you can donate to the American Red Cross or check out Charity Navigator for other charities that are accepting donations to assist victims of Hurricane Sandy.

We will continue to keep everyone that was impacted by this storm in our prayers and hope for the safety of all.  A big thank you for all those that help each other there during this time.

Yellow Magnets-NEW!

Mr. M is sick and now my little man is too, not so much with a cold,

but my little guy is having his first asthma flare up since the surgery.

I just returned from the doctors office and he mentioned that several
people are flaring up due to the change in weather.  My asthma has flared up a bit too.
But I'm trying to get the whole gang back to health.  Sleepless nights have begun.
 I hope that it won't last long.

In the mean time, I have finished off these beautiful magnets. 

 I am so in love with this yellow damask design. 

I am currently finishing off some push pins and from the looks of it, 

it may be the last batch, not sure yet. Things have been a bit rough and

with the cold front right in our area, well things are looking rather ugly

for my little family.  Medicine, soup and lots of TLC are at hand.
 I hope that you are all safe during the rough weather.

For more designs, visit Inspirations by D at Etsy.