Saturday, December 24, 2011

Last Minute Gift Ideas and a Favorite Hot Apple Cider Recipe


Hello!
I am sorry I wasn't able to post yesterday....
I am a little short on time, so I will have to post about the one room in the house I decorated after Christmas.....

I thought I would do a quick post, and share some last minute gift ideas with you....
These were our favorite gifts to make and give out this year....


1. An antique european grain sack wine and or beverage bag along with a bottle of wine and or sparkling cider.....


2, Homemade marshmallows and hot cocoa mix....

(an image of cookies the kids and I made last year)

3. Sugar Cookies...
We used our favorite recipe,
for the frosting we used a Penzey Spice Recipe....




I also wanted to share a family favorite hot apple cider recipe with you....
We make this every year during the holidays....
Not only does it taste good, it will also make your entire house smell good : )

Hot Apple Cider
6 cups apple cider 
(our favorite is the 365 Organic Apple Juice)
6 cups of pear juice
a pinch of ginger
3 whole cinnamon sticks
1/4 tsp. of nutmeg
10 cloves
1 TBLSP of fennel seeds
Bring all the above ingredients to a boil and let simmer for 25 minutes....
Then enjoy!

Before I go I want to remind you that Jeanne Oliver's camera bag giveaway is still open on my blog....
If you would like to enter you can do so by clicking here.....
Thank you Jeanne!



I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop in and read my blog.
Merry Christmas to you and your families!
Take Care,
Maria


45 comments:

All Seasons said...

I wish you a very Merry Christmas, Maria
Enjoy with the people you love..

Hugs,
Patricia

LizlovesVintage said...

That's ok! It's a busy time for all.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Enjoy!
xxx LizlovesVintage

nina said...

Merry Xmas to you too!

Connie (aka LOU) said...

Merry Christmas Maria! So THAT is how you are supposed to use the ribbon on the Wintersteen wreath. Of course I entered your giveaway but knew I probably wouldn't win so I ordered myself one and it arrived so fast. My husband keeps telling me how nice it smells when he walks by. Just didn't know what to do with all that darn ribbon they sent me :)

Unknown said...

wish you a Merry Chrismas my dear, big hugh Kathrin

Low Tide High Style said...

Merry Christmas Maria!

Kat :)

Unknown said...

I'm off to Lakeside Montana today from Florida! I will be making your Apple Cider for sure.
Merry Christmas to you!

Mayflower said...

Merry Christmas Maria.
Thanks fot all the inspiring moments.
Warm wishes, Mea

paige said...

merry Christmas maria!!
xo

Anonymous said...

Merry, Merry Christmas Maria!!
Have a beautiful day!
Sincerely,
Melinda

MelMel said...

Merry Christmas!x

Anonymous said...

I love that paddle breadboard and that outfit is SO stinkin cute. Love the bag.

NanaDiana said...

Merry Christmas, Maria- Lovely last minute ideas and those cookies you and the kids made are adorable~ xo Diana

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas.....wishing you a holiday filled with peace and joy.....I can't wait to try this recipe =) Xoxoxo

Gina said...

Merry Christmas to you Maria and your family! Thanks for the joy and beauty you bring to the world! Have a wonderful and safe holiday!!!

Vitt hus med svarta knutar said...

Wish you a pieceful and joyful Christmas Holiday!

Hugs from Sweden,
Regina

-Courtney Lane- {blog} said...

Lovely photos! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Courtney Lane
courtneylanemichaels.blogspot.com

Home and Lifestyle said...

I want to wish you a merry Christmas and happy holidays filled with many sweet moments!

Warm regards, Ingrid

martinealison said...

Que cette nuit de noël soit douce pour vous et tous ceux que vous aimez.
Gros bisous.

Elyse said...

dear treasured friend,

wonderful ideas. loving the fabric, as always!

i have one of jeanne's bags and i LOVE it. how fun to win another so i'm off to comment on the giveaway post. thanks for hosting.

warmest wishes for a healthy and merry christmas!

xo
elyse

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

Merry Christmas Maria and to your family as well! Thanks for always being such an inspiration!! Looking forward to 2012!
xo~Cheryl

It's me said...

Bedankt lieverd voor je gezelligheid steun en liefde van het afgelopen jaar......liefs van mij.....xxx...Ria


Thanks my darling for your fun loving and support over the past year....love from me.....xxx...Ria

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Fijne Kerstdagen,
Merry Christmas,
Glaedelig Jul,
Merry Christmas,
Joyeux Noel,
God Jul,

stefanie said...

wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Teacup-In-The-Garden said...

Have a wonderful Christmas!
Markus

Loreta said...

Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

bellissima cameretta....

Leslie said...

The stockings are so sweet and your cookies look delicious. I follow the Martha Stewart recipe as well - yummy! Backing sugar cookies is a family tradition, so fun with the kids (mine are in college and still enjoy making them!) Merry Christmas!

kråke said...

Lovely decorations and that bag is to die for:))I hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday:))

smiles...

kråke

vosgesparis said...

Merry★Christmas and many happy days to you
desiree

Unknown said...

I love your wreath, simple but elegant. Have a wonderful Christmas!

houses for sale

Simple Home said...

I've never heard of using fennel seed in hot cider. Clever :) I hope your Christmas was wonderful!
Blessings,
Marcia

Inspiration i vitt said...

Hello dear, I want to thank you for the lovely inspiration you give to me. I am always glad to visit your wonderful blog. You are so talented and productive.
A big Merry Christmas hug for you / Ingela.

Susan said...

Very elegant.

♥Gabriella ♥Hemma På Dunderbo♥ said...

Thankyou for inspiration to make own marsmallows..
Happy New Year from Gabriella from Sweden

Maggis-Nähatelier said...

Merry Christmas end Happy New Year from Maggi

me and alice said...

Hello Maria!

So so beautiful! I love your style girl!

Happy New year to you and your family!!

Susanne ♥

Burlap Luxe said...

Thank you for a beautiful year of all you inspire :)

Looking forward to what you will be inspiring in 2012

Happy New Year!
xx
~Dore

Simple Home said...

Happy New Year dear Maria :) Thank you for all of your wonderful inspiration!
Blessings,
Marcia

Helena - ullvi32 said...

Lovely pics, hope you had a wonderful Christmas and vaccation :)

/Helena

https://e-i-n-f-a-l-l-s-r-e-i-c-h.blogspot.com/ said...

your blog is so soooo sooooooo beautyful!!!
wish you a wonderful happy new year!
a new follower ;-)
all the best
amy

Angie said...

Just discovered your blog~it's wonderful! Happy New Year to you! If you have a minute I would love to have you visit me at swededreamer~
Angie

Jo said...

Ooo, hot apple cider! Yum!

GARDEN PLAN said...

I loooove Your blog:))

Tatania said...

Love your boots...where'd you buy?

Unknown said...

I would like this collection to Send gifts to Pakistan, you have wonderful collection.