A Pinch of This and a Pinch of That Christmas Colored Cake with Jello

Ever need an easy dessert for the holidays, maybe a cake that's not completely plain and need it fast? How about jazzing up a boxed cake mix with a red and green theme?


Take a Pound Cake Mix and after preparing the batter, divide it into three portions - make them as equal or unequal as you like.


I added one small box of Lime Jello to one portion, squirted some Red Food Coloring into another portion, left the basic batter plain and then layered each into the loaf pan.  I swirled them a bit to make the irregular design.


You could use Cherry or Strawberry Jello and Green Food Coloring to switch it up.  A layer cake or sheet cake would also work instead of a pound cake.



Add some whipped cream and you have a quick and easy treat.

I don't remember where I got the little Christmas teapot from, but since tea is my main drink, this ornament makes me smile.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy...

Tree Trimming Helper

I was okay with the garland as necklace, but
 I DO NOT like the x*#! hat and antlers!

I couldn't resist.  She pulled the antlers off twice, but then she let me get a few snaps of her.  I will say that she enjoyed the necklace (beaded garland) and walked around the house wearing it, no problems with the jewelry diva in her.
But, when I put the antlers on, that was a different story.

Lucy, my tree trimming helper:

Look into my eyes... this will be the last time I wear antlers for you!

The indignity of this getup!  I will get you for this...

Stretching Dollars and Charming the Grinch

That Grinch song is playing on the radio and it's so darn catchy.  I know a few people who are real grinches, and not just at Christmastime but all the year long.  They have no interest in celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or any significant milestone or achievement.  They live for themselves.  They are miserly with their time; they are stingy with their words; they are selfish and satisfy only their own needs and wants.
Do you know any grinches?

I wanted to put wreaths on the windows, but with packing and decluttering and trying not to spend on more stuff- I set out to see how cheaply I could make 6 cheery wreaths.

At a dollar store I bought one package of wired garland, which was 15 feet for $1.00.  Plus I bought some curling ribbon $1.00 for each roll and 2 packages of red glittered bows with loops for $1.00 each (6 bows in total.)

I cut the garland to size and just connected the cut ends by wrapping one end to the other.  I put the bow loop over one of the cut ends before wrapping it closed. Then I just put the ribbon around the circle, over and under- simple.  It still was a little skimpy so I put curling ribbon on three places on the big wreath and on the bottom on the smaller wreaths.  I took a card someone had sent, cut it down with patterned scissors and hung it from the bow.

"PEACE ON EARTH"

That's my wish for you and to the Grinches in this world. I hope the holidays don't overwhelm you. Don't let the hub-bub, the crowds, traffic, and all that there is to do- take your joy.

Thanksgiving Reflections

High Point, NJ in the Autumn.

While I am writing this, (Monday) we are being warned about the first big snowstorm of the autumn- it's not yet winter and we have had frequent snow flurries since our snow on 11/12/13.

If the weather gives a break then I am going to get a Christmas tree this weekend.  It's not usual for me to decorate this early, but I really feel like some ornament and garland hanging is the medicine of choice to lift the gloom of these early snowstorms. (That and some brandied egg nog.  I bought Soy Egg Nog to try.)

I think I may pull out some of those remaining record albums and lose my voice singing along.  Lucy (dog) is never sure what to make of those sing out loud moments of mine.  

My turkey is defrosting in the fridge; the dessert will be apple pie with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.  It will be a good day to reflect on the happy moments and the trying ones, but most of all to just feel peaceful and thankful for all the moments that make up a lifetime.

Thanks to all of you for visiting and sharing your time and kindnesses.  Thanksgiving is universal, and in the USA we celebrate on Thursday.  It's our official day to acknowledge and remember, to gather with family and friends if we are able, and to enjoy good food, parades, and whatever else you want to keep close.

Wishing All of You a Very Happy Thanksgiving!    

One Foot in Front of the Other

Learning new things is scary and exhilarating at the same time.  A few new things crossed my path this past month and I didn't want to do them- at first- but then once I did and put my oar in the water, so to speak, it was a little triumph.  

There's another first time thing, a short little video I made. I have been putting off learning how to make a video, and I dropped the camera yesterday so not sure what would be the result, but I just jumped in and tried.

My plans to relocate by today due to one thing and another, just didn't materialize.  But, never fear, I am forging ahead and still decluttering, selling stuff, and nursing my bruises and wounds.  In due time I'll sell the house and move on.  As long as it takes, is what ever will be.  Unlike St. Nick who settled in for a long winter's nap, I will be working my pace and moving some day.  Fingers crossed- by late Spring of next year.

I packed away most of my craft and art supplies, but I still have a few things I can do when I get the time.   I've got some makeover shoes for an upcoming post.  Have a great week!

Wintry Welcome

Feels like longer, but it's only been about 6 1/2 weeks since I was here.  That's 1,104 hours or there abouts or 46 days.  I did say I would be back the first week in October, but as we all know, sometimes things get in the path of good intentions.

We had a thick coating of snow this morning.  As it's one of those mathematically notable days, "11/12/13" I ventured out in the cold to take this photo of the date written in the snow (by me) and got a bit of frigid air as a gift lifting up my coat. Breezy and snowy- good combination; then back inside before my camera froze and drying off my coat and slacks.

Welcome to an early winter in the northern hemisphere, or at least the northern part of this state.