Our house is currently in COMPLETE turmoil: we are mostly packed (though it still looks like a bomb just went off in my kitchen) and we are trying to find space for all of our things (where does it all come from???) while we wait for the new house to be finished.
So, anyway, it's nice to look back on the happy days that have passed while I ignore, for just a few more minutes, all of the work ahead of me today.
Photo Gifts and my new favorite Incredible Edible!
The Christmas Cookbook.
This was the labour of love for the holiday season. I started the cookbook last October. It was a big project and I figured if I started early, the job would be so much easier. I began logging all of our family and friend get-togethers, recording the events with pictures and recipes and our favorite memories. The cookbook spans from Winnie's 1st birthday to her second and features special sections for soup, salads, sweeties, and holiday foods. I originally planned to publish the book through lulu.com but, in October, when I went to print the cookbooks, I realized that they were going to cost me about $70 each. Yikes! So, after three days of crying, I got my act together and started over. As I had entered/uploaded everything into the online publishing program I had to literally re-enter everything into a word file and then start formatting and editing, again. Thanks to some fun fonts and artwork by DJ Berger (thank you!) the project turned out beautifully. It was worth the work and I'm so glad to have a collection of my favorite recipes and memories for the year.
The Photo Collage.
Every Christmas I make Jamie a special tree ornament, representative of the year. This fall I got the idea for a photo collage ornament from Big Huge Labs. I simply had to choose the number of photos I wanted in the collage and then upload the pictures. When I went to order the ornament I noticed that they also did poster sized collages and, on a whim, I order one of each. When the order arrived I was shocked to see how BIG my "ornament" was.....way too big for the tree:) The poster was also huge and absolutely gorgeous. So I changed plans and had the poster framed as a gift for Jamie and the smaller version framed for my parents. They are so beautiful. I plan to do one every year! The small version was about $12 and the poster was around $23. The framing was quite a bit more but so very worth it. I can't wait to hang this in the new house!
Insanely Delicious Peppermint Bark.
I know what you're thinking...how good could it be? Melted chocolate and peppermint candy canes? But you're wrong, you are so wrong. This stuff is to die for. Even I was surprised. Though I shouldn't have been, as the recipe comes from Orangette, a favorite foodie blog. My father was completely addicted, stealing bits of end pieces while taking photos!
Check out the bump!
Tomorrow: Crafting with Kids and Homemade Herbals
Oh, I love photo gifts! I make a calendar every year and give framed prints. The collage is a cool idea!
ReplyDeleteYour peppermint bark looks so tasty! And you are pregnant and packing to move on top of all that? Amazing! you are truly amazing!
LOVE the collage Jill!! Such an awesome gift :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I LOVE your collage. So sweet and I'm sure every picture is a strong memory. I miss you and I am a lady of leisure for now so call me any time for a much needed catch up call. xo
ReplyDeleteTanya