Homefront: Christmas Firsts

 First discovery of lights.

First moosestache ever, in the history of the world.

First real, live Christmas tree.

 First kitchen sink bath.

 First neighborhood Christmas light hayride tour.

 First grade "Winter Holiday Program"

 First unimpressed faces

 First gingerbread houses.

Sweet Treats: Festive Chocolate Stirring Spoons Recipe

We made stirring spoons for the boys' teachers. The ones for the teachers we tied with curling ribbon, and ornament and a gift card. Then, I made a cute jar (ideas and tutorial here) and filled them with several more spoons for the office staff. These are easy, fast, and inexpensive to make... and not to mention delicious! Makes a great treat for your cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

I put one candy cane in a ziplock bag and crushed it (a rolling pin is good, I just banged the hell out of it with a can opener.) Melt a cup of chocolate for one minute (or per package directions) and stir. I made some with dark chocolate and others with semi sweet, than I used some white chocolate to drizzle.

 Then just coat your spoons. I topped with sprinkled candy canes (sprinkle the candy cane over the bowl for an easy cleanup), marshmallows, sprinkles and melted chocolate drizzles. It's fun to come up with different combinations... some are prettier than others too.  Place on waxed paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is hard. Then wrap the spoon top in cellophane wrap and tie with a ribbon. I really wanted to dip paint the spoon handles, but ran out of time!

 

I tied on a gift card made with cardstock and glued on cute little craft jewels that you can purchase from me here, or at a most local craft stores.

Don't forget to check out our Christmas decorating home tour this year!

May your Christmas be merry and bright!

Homefront: Christmas Tour of Homes 2012

I changed my long and narrow living room layout to three separate areas from the two I showed last week.  so this is a little teaser. More on that in another post though, because today is Nester's Christmas tour of homes, and I finally feel festive!

 Isaac is in first grade, and he wrote me a beautiful story of his Christmas plans!

 

Until I find my mini nativity pieces, the lion and lamb ornament will keep this cute stable company.

 

 The candle is an advent candle. You burn it one dot each night, until Christmas Day it is down to the last dot. I love this book, A Special Place for Santa. For those who struggle with meshing Santa and Christ together, it tells a lovely story of the historical Santa, and how he ties into the Christmas story.

 We made festive, candied, chocolate dipped stirring spoons for hot chocolate or coffee for the kids teachers. Check out the tutorial, they are so easy and yummy!


2012 Christmas Tour of Homes via The Nester linky party