Friends

Little surprises make life fun! I was surprised 
and happy to find out that my newest scrapbook 
page was listed as Most Wanted this week at CSI

At CSI- ColorsStoriesInspiration- there is a different challenge each week in which you can participate. I just finished making a page for Case File 137. For each Case File you must use all five colors, two items from the Evidence list and one thing from Testimony. Isn't this a cheery color scheme?

Here is my layout~

I used:

lace, ribbon roses, pom pom ribbon, pink burlap

7 Gypsies 97% stickers

washi tape

machine stitching

Prima Pearls

Petaloo flowers and glitter heart

modeling past and spray ink

two selfies of College Girl and her childhood friend

There is torn washi tape along the top and bottom of the page. I zigzag stitched around the photos

For the envelope listed in Evidence I used a clear ziploc bag stitched down between the photos. 

Here is a closer shot of the modeling paste misted with spray ink

College Girl can journal about her friendship, 

and I will tuck the note into the little bag with the glitter heart inside.

I had to include this funny sticker because it suits these two.
 Just kidding, of course!

What have you been up to this week? If you get a chance, go take a look at CSI and play along.

sharing this post with~

Freedom Fridays
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The Joy of Unexpected Mail

 I find joy in simple pleasures. It's part of my personal motto and is included on my blog header. In the past two weeks while I limped, grunted and groaned with a sore knee, I received two unexpected envelopes in the mail. Those of you who enjoy blogging, and all the wonderful people it connects you with, will understand how delighted I was by these thoughtful women. The timing couldn't have been better - just when my spirits were low! The first envelope came all the way from Guam to California. It contained a handmade shamrock pin, beautifully stitched, and a lovely note. I wore this token of friendship on St. Patrick's Day. It was a sweet reminder of the Trinity and what a blessing friends can be.

The second envelope came from Oregon. It also contained a handmade item. Isn't this towel sweet? I immediately hung it on the oven handle in the kitchen.
It adds hominess and charm.

Thank you, Kelley and Linda, for thinking of me and brightening my life!

 Every now and then it is nice to be reminded that you're thought of and wished well. I know how much it meant to me. Random acts of kindness bless everyone. Want to join me in surprising a few people next month? It'll make your heart smile.

Sugar Plum Friends

Ah, the time for stories about sugar plums, spices, candy and tea has arrived! By the way, do you know what a sugar plum is? Try looking it up online and you get a variety of answers. But I prefer to go by what Dingy Sharp had to say on the matter. She is the great-great granddaughter of Clement Clarke Moore who wrote 'The Night Before Christmas'.

Nowadays these sweet treats are a thing of the past, but when we rolled fruit in sugar it preserved them to last. We'd take a fresh plum which we'd generously glaze, then wrap it in fabric and let it dry many days. Months later this fresh-coated fruit would become the delicious jeweled candy we called 'sugar-plum.'

The teapot is full and there are cups to spare.  Won't you join me? 

A package arrived today from a beloved friend in Texas. Let's see what's inside.

Please forgive me while I get up and do a happy dance! Eeek! Isn't he whimsical? Isn't he nice perfect for my collection?  He looks ready to give a tea party and let the other Nutcrackers and Toy Soldiers on our mantle do guard duty! Ha ha!

He has glittery saucers on his head, striped mint candies on his jacket, and tall green boots on his feet. This festive fellow remembered to bring a pot of sugar for our tea - how thoughtful! I wonder what kind of tea is in his pink trimmed pot? Russian Caravan?

 With a hairdo like his I wouldn't mind going out in the rain and wind - no worries!

What a sweet way to celebrate Advent! Thank you, Texas Star, for this jaunty Nutcracker. You are a Sugar Plum!

 

 Here is a modern version of sugarplum candy:

Recipe and photo from Saveur

  1⁄4 cup honey
2 tsp. grated orange zest
1 1⁄2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1⁄2 tsp. ground allspice
1⁄2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1 cup finely chopped pitted dates
1 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Arrange almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in oven for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool, then finely chop.
2. Meanwhile, combine honey, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl. Add almonds, apricots, and dates and mix well.
3. Pinch off rounded teaspoon-size pieces of the mixture and roll into balls. (Rinse your hands often, as mixture is very sticky.) Roll balls in sugar, then refrigerate in single layers between sheets of waxed paper in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Their flavor improves after ripening for several days.



sharing this post with-
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