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:

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

    Hugs,
    Patricia

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

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  3. Merry Xmas to you too!

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  4. 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 :)

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  5. wish you a Merry Chrismas my dear, big hugh Kathrin

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

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

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  8. merry Christmas maria!!
    xo

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

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

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

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

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  13. 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!!!

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  14. Wish you a pieceful and joyful Christmas Holiday!

    Hugs from Sweden,
    Regina

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  15. Lovely photos! Have a wonderful Christmas!

    Courtney Lane
    courtneylanemichaels.blogspot.com

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

    Warm regards, Ingrid

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

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  18. 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

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

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  20. 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,

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  21. wishing you a very Merry Christmas!!!!

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  22. Have a wonderful Christmas!
    Markus

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  23. bellissima cameretta....

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  24. 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!

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

    smiles...

    kråke

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  26. Merry★Christmas and many happy days to you
    desiree

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

    houses for sale

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

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  29. 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.

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

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  31. Merry Christmas end Happy New Year from Maggi

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  32. Hello Maria!

    So so beautiful! I love your style girl!

    Happy New year to you and your family!!

    Susanne ♥

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  33. 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

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

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

    /Helena

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

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  37. 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

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  38. Ooo, hot apple cider! Yum!

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

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

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