Sweet tooth relief (on a budget)

It is the week after Christmas, the leftovers are long gone, our wallets are paper thin, there are no sweet treats in the house, which is a HUGE problem. We do this purposefully, as Eric and I both lose all sense of self-control over anything resembling chocolate or cookies. 

Standing at the fridge in my pajamas that I pretty much wore all day, my brain had to work overtime to concoct a quick remedy to ease the sugar cravings with a very short ingredients list. 

Twenty minutes later, we have Apple Cinnamon Biscuit Bombs, which were AMAZING! What am I talking about, they still are amazing, as I eat a few and type with sugar-covered fingers. 

For any of you on a budget and needing a quick fix, here you go! 

Ingredients

1 cup of apple, peeled and chopped

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to taste

1 can of biscuits (I used Grands)

1/4 bar of cream cheese

Cooking spray

Cinnamon and sugar mix

Directions

1. Over medium heat, sauté apples until softened. About 10 minutes. 

2. Add spices to the apples, making sure to stir thoroughly. I used a dash of each, but season to your taste. Set aside. 

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a round 9 inch pie pan with the cooking spray. 

4. Cut biscuits in half and flatten into rounds. 

5. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of the apple mix to the middle of the flattened biscuit. 

6. Pinch the outsides of the biscuit together, forming a ball, sealing the yummy goodness inside. 

7. Spray the top of the ball with the cooking spray (or dip in butter) and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. 

8. Place all biscuits rolls in the dish. I do one outer circle and then the rest in the middle. The biscuits should touch. 

9. Sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar on the top. 

10. Bake 13-18 minutes until biscuits are cooked and golden. 

11. Enjoy!

I know this won't be a gourmet classic, but it worked in a pinch! 

Homemade Holiday: 3 Days 'til Christmas

Today has been a busy day and there are still snowman cookies, quiche and dinner to be made! 

The day started EARLY finalizing a knitting project for a good friend. It was a doozy, but fun! I may have to make one for myself.

Then I picked up a few sidekicks, my niece Berkley and her Elf on the Shelf, Lilly. I didn't realize there were so many rules with the elf?! But I got schooled on that during our entire 45 minute drive. Who knows how much mischief she will get into tonight! 

We created one of a kind personalized wrapping paper...

Made salted caramel Nutella bars...

Created a fun card wreath...

And are now trying out a new recipe for dinner. This could go either way - fantastic or terrible. Or a little of both. 

There are a few more agenda items for today, but boy these puppies are barking and somehow Daddy Day Care has captured the full attention of everyone in the house. Even Pasha is staring at the tv. 

So, who knows, but enjoy this Christmas' Eve Eve Eve. 

Homemade Holiday: 4 days 'til Christmas

I feel like I haven't posted in a while and wanted to take a break from my gift wrapping marathon (seriously, I have been wrapping for hours) to share with you my newest and quite possibly best and cheapest holiday purchase.

Can you guess what it is? It is a 1970s-era 3M Sasheen Bow Maker Model S-72 of course! I was not searching for this beauty - it found me. I had gone into a Reidsville hardware store that was going out of business looking for a cake plate (a suggestion from the post master at the post office, since no other store in Reidsville sells cake plates). And you know me, always searching for a deal! I was browsing the bulk rolls of wrapping paper ($2.00 each, I got enough for life) and looked up to see my soon to be new friend, although at the time I didn't have a darn clue what it actually was. At checkout, I asked about it and the guy gave a 10 minute demo, which began to attract other customers. Another lady seemed very interested, and I didn't push it, so I purchased my paper and left before things got nasty. 

A coworker and I went back in a few days later. It was still there on the shelf, looking industrial and used, the opposite of shiny and new. I asked about it a second time and the owner said if I purchased the ribbon, which totaled about $9.00, I could have the machine. So, I packed up the ribbon, bow maker and about 300 premade bows and headed on my merry way! 

The bows were given away to our clients and I was left to figure out the machine. Several You-tube videos later, I realized I was missing an essential piece, so to eBay Eric went! And he scored me these.

They are the little pointy pieces that go in the middle of the bow. 

So, after several now making mishaps and at least a dozen curse words, I feel like I have a good grasp on the machine now. Every once in a while a spring pops out and Pasha and I have to duck and cover. I will watch more You-tube videos later, but there is no time before Christmas for frivolous things like that! 

Here are a few of my creations. Enjoy! 

The traditional.

My favorite. 

Hello Kitty. 

Alphabet soup. 

Now back to the grind! Check out my two "helpers" working hard. 

Homemade Holiday: 10 Days 'til Christmas

If any of my family members are reading this and haven't purchased my gift, I would love love LOVE an electric stand mixer. And if you know me, not the cheap kind. My last K-Mart special mixer caught fire last year when I was attempting to make homemade focaccia bread. I almost lost an eyebrow. 

But tonight, I have been in the kitchen a few hours cranking out sweet piroshkis by hand Puritan style. My firearms feel like they have just competed in the Crossfit games, my entire kitchen is covered in a light dusting of self rising flour, and I am only halfway through, taking a short break while the dough rises for the third time. I may have misjudged the time disparity between baking with the use of modern technology and without. Eric may have fresh out of the oven pastries when he wakes up in the morning! 

The house smells wonderful with the aromas of chicken pot pie and apple filling for the pastries, all for tomorrow's potluck. But, here is the current state of my kitchen...

The picture doesn't do the flour cloud justice. In a few hours, they will hopefully look like this...

Filled with yummy apple gooeyness. We will see. I am not yet convinced!

Homemade Holiday: 11 Days 'til Christmas

How would I go about buying stock in Christmas decorations? Someone is making bookoos of money and I want in on it! 

After debating whether or not my kitchen was festive enough (I decided not, of course), I took a short little drive over to the local craft store to rush in and grab some pre-lit garland for over the top of my cabinets. First off, there was no "rushing in." The store was busier than a moth in a mitten. Had to think twice about that one, didn't you? And second, the pre-lit garland was $46.00. I almost fell in the floor I was so shocked. Like I said, I need some shares in that market. It would have cost me over $80 to light up my cabinets. No thank you! 

I spent $12 and did it myself. I did fall off the ladder once, broke the drill (again) and managed to break a light bulb. Good thing they give you extra. But, it is up! And not too shabby if I do say so Myself. 

Homemade Holiday: 12 Days 'til Christmas

12 Days!!!! 12 Drummers Drumming. The official countdown begins in the heart of every child, young and old! 

Speaking of old people who have to work, we had our staff holiday luncheon yesterday. It was a great afternoon filled with amazing Asian Cuisine, a hilarious gift exchange, and pottery painting. My kind of work day! 

My not-so-dirty Santa gift (although dirty talk was the word of the day!) was part handmade and part store bought. 

For you knitters out there or even those who want to pick up some needles for the first time, here is an easy pattern. 

I used a basic cotton yarn and I think my pointy sticks were a size 8. I can't be sure because they were the bamboo kind and Pasha chewed off the end that had the #. Make due and mend! Although I will gladly accept new bamboo needles as gifts this Christmas, hint, hint. 

Cast on as many stitches as you want your washcloth to be wide, but it must be an even number. I used 36. 

Knit garter stitch (knit every row) until you have knitted about an inch, making sure to start the next section with the right side. I think I knit 8 rows.

Row 9: knit

Row 10: purl

Rows 11-14 repeat rows 9 and 10 twice.

The rest of the washcloth is double seed stitch. So...

Row 15: *k2, p2, repeat from * until the end of the row.

Row 16: *p2, k2, repeat from * until the end of the row.

Repeat rows 15 and 16 until you reach the desired length. 

Bind off and enjoy!

Homemade Holiday: 16 Days 'til Christmas

Building traditions creates lasting memories. Eric and I both have memories of Christmases past from our parents who made Christmas magical. We hold dearly to those, but want to create traditions and memories of our own. Our activity tonight was simple, but fun and will continue from now on! It also allowed us to reflect on our year and how blessed we are.  

We purchased a plain ceramic ornament and sat down to write a few of our favorite things from 2014. Our newest ornament! 

Homemade Holiday: 17 Days 'til Christmas

Excuse this late post. I was addressing Christmas cards and lost track of time! And feeling in my right hand. "Clark, Audrey's frozen from the waist down. That is all part of the experience honey (Ellen and Clark Griswold)." "I don't know what to say, except it is Christmas and we are all in misery (Ellen Griswold)." Are you getting what I am throwing out? Only quotes from one of my favorite movies of all time and quite possibly the only movie other than Roadhouse that I will watch over and over again.

I know what you are saying - "Hurry up Clark, I am freezing my baguettes off (Art)." Eric and I haven't done Christmas cards in a few years and thought we would give it a whirl this year. But, I didn't want just any old card. I want people to receive it and say "It's a beaut, Clark (Eddie)!" So, I tried something new. 

Before...

And after...I am hoping they get better as I go along! 

On the flip side, I didn't realize how long this would take. "Well, I'm gonna park the cars and get check the luggage, and well, I'll be outside for the season (Clark)." Maybe you all will get your cards before Christmas. Just maybe. And I will close with, "Merry Christmas. Shitters full. (Eddie). 

Homemade Holiday: 18 Days 'til Christmas

My thoughts today are not about something I knitted, or something shiny and glittery, or even something that you can physically grasp for that matter. It is about something I felt, that we all can feel. And that is love.

Earlier today, I walked in the annual Winter Walk for AIDS with a few of the teens I work with and some friends. It was a gorgeous day, with hundreds of people gathering to celebrate and remember loved ones, and to continue to raise awareness about a dreadful epidemic that continues to kill people in our communities. In remembrance, you can choose to wear the name of someone who has passed away from AIDS. 

As we were lining up to walk, I felt a hesitant tap in my shoulder. When I turned around, I found a man in tears who had fought his way through the crowd to find me. I was wearing the name of his partner who died over 20 years ago. You know me, I am a cryer, and as we hugged he reminded me that love and acceptance overcomes all. 

The theme of the event this year was that we should all stand as one to educate and bring awareness so that we will in the near future have zero individuals suffering from AIDS in the triad area.

How does this relate to homemade holiday, you may ask? Well, I am getting there. Our country has seen a few difficult months recently. This Christmas, Kwanza, Hannakuh, or whatever you celebrate, put aside your negativity, the urge to criticize the views and beliefs of others, to focus less on what people are doing and focus MORE on what you can do to spread love, acceptance and build a better, brighter future for all of us. Be a shining light for your faith, not a beacon of hatred, judgement, and intolerance. We are more alike than you think. We all need to love and be loved. 

Homemade Holiday: 19 Days 'till Christmas

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the greatest occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness." ~ Bob Hope

One of my most vivid memories as a child is of a small ceramic Christmas tree that my grandmother had sitting on a curio cabinet in the family room. Something about it always enchanted me and I would stand right beside it, with it being about eye level, admiring the lights and the glimmer it cast on the glass of the cabinets. I also remember reaching up to touch it, to put my little finger on one of the bright lights, and hearing "Don't you touch that!" coming out of my mom's mouth. When she would be out of the room, I would sneak up to it, have my finger raised towards the tree and she must have had some crazy voodoo sense and I would hear her yelling at me from the other room. 

Last year, I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to use it in my house. My aunt found it for me and passed it along. It needed a lot of work, but I put it out anyway. When decorating earlier this month, I was bound and determined to fix it up, but couldn't find the lights anywhere. Just when I was about to give up, Eric's mom and I found some in a craft store on Black Friday. 

This afternoon, I removed all the lights. No small feat, which included a pair of pliers, nail polish remover, and a few band aids. Don't ask! 

A few hours later, I was finished and found myself staring at the little tree, just like when I was a child. I am not usually materialistic, but what a blessing it is to have something from generations past that was treasured, loved, and holds precious memories that will hopefully be saved and shared with generations to come. 

Homemade Holiday: 21 Days 'til Christmas

At first thought, 21 Days seems far away. As a kid, the wait from the Christmas parade at the beginning of December until the "big day" was excruciatingly long and almost painful. But to a knitter or crafter, time seems to fly by, and for this procrastinator, there aren't enough minutes in the day to get it all done. I have yarn in every single room of my house, even the kitchen. Patterns and test swatches are strewn everywhere and it seems I have completely lost track with reality. I caught myself thinking yesterday that if I stayed awake pulling a few all nighters between now and Christmas, I could do all the gifts I had originally planned. Really?! I may just buy a few gift cards as a back-up. 

Currently, I am knitting a red Christmas cowl, making up the pattern as I go. My needles are moving so fast they are smoking!

For you knitters, here is the pattern so far:

Using size 11 circulate needles, cast on 70 stitches, or whatever length you want your cowl. Join in the round.

Row 1: knit

Row 2: purl

Row 3: knit

Row 4: purl

Row 5: k1, yo twice*repeat all the way around

Row 6: purl, dropping the extra yo stitches

Row 7: knit

Row 8: purl

Row 9: k1, yo three times*repeat all the way around

Row 10: purl, dropping the extra yo stitches

Row 11: knit

Row 12: purl

Rows 13 - 20: repeat rows 5 - 12.

I am on row 18 now but am getting there. I hope to end with;

Row 21: knit

Row 22: purl

Row 23: knit

Row 24: purl

Bind off and enjoy. When done, I will have to decide who will receive the scarf this holiday OR if I want to keep it for myself!

Homemade Holiday: #23 Days Until Christmas

Symbolizing eternal hope, the Christmas wreath is more than a decoration. It is a sign of welcome to all that enter and a reminder to rejoice in the season. There is an old poem that comes to mind that likens the middle of the Christmas wreath, empty and barren, to what the world would be like without God's love and grace. 

So, I think it is fitting that this is where my Homemade Holiday journaling begins.  

I saw a great Pinterest post for a burlap wreath on the Rooms to Rent blog. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa7oD1gMENMUZmZB8kegblrzF-mFXpG9WZr5gfMKZZuRaYdNC7NTkKTaZNZao13UTwOs9lpVyk7FwOCpeSS5lUXvKeZXnV6DsRgGhlp-PlqMB00yMEf0WJnG_Ch1NRvakX03bDMxqKbxq/s1600/cover+photo.jpg

It was originally a spring wreath, but with a few tweaks, it works for any season. I also used printed burlap and had to alter how the material was woven a bit. Instead of through all four sections as described in the blog, I wove it through the outer wires only, making fluffier loops, but keeping the pattern exposed. The whole project took the length of a Hallmark Christmas movie, so about 90 minutes.

While in Ohio, Eric's mom and I made a few for her house too!

While standing in line at Michael's for what seems like the hundredths time already I saw this.

$50.00!!! And, on top of that, I think mine is better, but I am not bias or anything. I was able to make the wreath for around $12.00 and Lori (Eric's mom) did even better, scoring some amazing fabric deals on Black Friday. 

Whatever you do this holiday season, don't forget the wreath! In my opinion, it is one of the most important. A symbol of eternal love, hope and acceptance.