{Apple Cider and Van Gogh}

{Vincent van Gogh}

I found this peaceful print in my studies for the Humanities exam and I think that it's the most non-van Gogh looking painting that I've seen yet. Quite a far cry from Sunflowers and Almond Branches in Bloom, San Remy, this simple piece is giving the viewer a peak at her knitting labor.

How did you like my ultra mini-Sister Wendy commentary?

I must say that I will be very sad when this exam is over; I've really enjoyed all of the art, literature, and music studies!

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Well, we are planning to spend the latter part of next week at my Grandparent's home in the Texas hill country. This will be our first Christmas with them in this great state; usually we would go to see them in frigid New Mexico but since they moved here last year, this will be different.

I'm very happy to say that the scheduled knitting/sewing projects are done for the month and I'm furiously working on a few side projects for my Dad, a sweet friend, myself,

and a new pattern. Hopefully pictures will follow of...

a Harry Potter-like hat and scarf,

a super cute and warm Longford and/or Republic hat,

a lavender, lacy cardigan, and

a sweet, yellow beret

(a new pattern from Stitch Nation that I

found--for free!--at Hobby Lobby).

Yes, the knitting basket is full again and I have this hankering for hot apple cider--again!

The urge came to me in Baltimore and I'm afraid has followed me all

around our travels and back here at home.

Unlike chocolate chaud, you can keep drinking apple cider without the fear of a sugar rush.

At any rate, back to knitting.

Happy Merry Christmas

Week Two of AHC: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."

Here is week two of A Homemade Christmas put on by Emily Rose at Simply Vintage Girl.

(It's always best to begin at the beginning)

Here is a wonderful recipe for Crusted Nuts that was given to me by some dear friends.
I love this recipe because it is one of those that can be changed and

adapted, however you like it.

This is a great gift for neighbors, you could couple it with a "thank you" note,

sprinkle them on ice cream, or simply leave on the counter for whenever you feel the least bit hungry!

They may not be chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but they really taste and smell yummy, in whatever weather you may be.

You start with:

~ 2 beaten egg whites

~ 1 tbsp. water

~1 1-pound bag of your favorite nuts (I used halved pecans but it tastes good with almonds or walnuts as well)

~ 1 1/2 c. sugar

~ 1 tsp. salt

~ 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees, then for an easy clean-up, I lined my pan with some greased wax paper.

2. Beat your egg whites until they are white and foamy (think sea foam, without the salt). Coat your nuts well; this is what the sugar mixture will be sticking too, so make sure all of the nuts are well covered.

3. Mix sugar, salt, et cinnamon and coat the eggy nuts well.

4. Pour nuts onto sheet et bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Et bon appetit!

You could store this in a glass jar with some cute ribbon or fabric and leave on the counter for some edible decoration.

A yummy option would be to add some dashes of nutmeg or allspice to your sugar mixture.

And, to add to the ice cream idea,

you could chop your nuts before using them so they fit easier on the spoon.

A Homemade Christmas Week One: frames

I really enjoy making gifts for people and trying out new project ideas; it's also wonderful to receive homemade gifts. There is just something that makes the gift more special when you know someone took the time on it for you.

You can add your own style to the gift and you can make it more personal and sentimental when you are making something.

As you know homemade gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and styles.

This is a fairly common gift idea, and the wonderful part is that the possibilities are endless.

I first saw it in a bathroom of a friend. She had a lovely frame with craft paper, pressed pansies, and a scripture verse in calligraphy.

I started by keeping a watch out for interesting, (inexpensive) unique frames. For some reason I have developed a liking for picture frames, mostly because of the endless decorative purposes.

When I am giving one away, I try to pick one that fits the style and personality of the person I am giving it too.

Then I chose different craft paper, using the glass from the frame to measure size; I also used different types of craft scissors to cut out the paper.

After everything was arranged the way I wanted it, I wrote out the scripture verse and decorated it a bit.

Depending on the style of your frame, you could center everything or (if you're like me) you could angle different pieces and put your own flair to it!

I've learned it's best to wait until the end to paste everything together, so after I finished the verse I did the final arrangements et voila!

Like I said, the possibilities are endless.

Next time I want to print a picture or use one from a magazine and frame around it.

You could include some pressed flowers or leaves; a train ticket or business card. This could even be a cute way to frame a baby's foot prints.

Don't forget, it's not too late to be apart ofA Homemade Christmas over at Simply Vintage Girl.

It is a wonderful way to share new ideas and see what other people are doing to prepare for Christmas; I hope you will join in the encouragment and learning.