Wednesday, December 10, 2014

12 Days of Baking–Countdown to Christmas

Santa’s Whiskers

Refrigerator or "icebox" cookies with chopped cherries and pecans, rolled in flaked coconut. Festive and easy!

Makes about 60

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-cup red candied cherries, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 cup flaked coconut

In a large mixer bowl beat butter till softened. Add sugar and beat till fluffy. Add milk and vanilla and beat well. Add flour and beat until well mixed. Stir in cherries and pecans. Shape into three 7" rolls. Roll in coconut to coat. Wrap and chill for several hours. Preheat oven to 375F. Cut into 1/4" thick slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake about 12 minutes or until done. Remove and cool.

Lots of yummy ingredients in these festive cookies. As we finish our countdown, I thought Santa was a perfect place to stop. So, ho,ho, ho and shop til you drop.

This our final post gives us a lot of last minute stocking stuffers that you better buy now.

Thank you for all your participation and support during our 3rd Annual Countdown to Christmas.

Now, SHOP!

KevsKrafts

Reindeer Christmas Bell Ornament Handmade From Ash Wood Rudolph Christmas Decoration

Reindeer Christmas Bell Ornament Handmade From Ash Wood Rudolph Christmas Decoration, Holiday Decor, Red Nose Reindeer, Dasher,  Dasher;

RSSDesignsInFiber

Crocheted Lace 21-Inch Doily - Red Flowers, Green, White Accent Decor

Crocheted Lace 21-Inch Doily - Red Flowers, Green, White Accent Decor

SewAmazin

Green Snowflake Santa Claus Padded Zipper Case, Gift Holder, Grab Bag

Green Snowflake Santa Claus Padded Zipper Case, Gift Holder, Grab Bag

PrettyGonzo

Snowman Dangle Earrings Lampwork Glass Sterling Hooks Holiday Jewelry

RESERVED: Snowman Dangle Earrings, Lampwork Glass, Holiday Jewelry

CraftingMemories1

Crochet Bead Bangle Bracelet Red Green Clear Spiral Rope

Crochet Bead Bangle Bracelet Red Green Clear Spiral Rope

bluemorningexpressions

Waterslide Decal - Christmas Santa

Waterslide Decal - Christmas Santa WSD-2010-006

KatsAllThat

Red Green and Gold Holiday Beadwoven Superduo Cuff Handmade Bracelet

Red Green and Gold Holiday Beadwoven Superduo Cuff Handmade Bracelet

evezbeadz

Christmas Magic Embellished Porcelain Id Badge Reel Holder

Christmas Magic Embellished Porcelain Id Bade Reel Holder

http://www.butterfliesintheattic.com/

10 pcs Beach combed Sea Glass from the shores of Long Beach California

TheTwistedRedhead

Handmade Book Thong with Christmas Beads, Holiday Bookmark, Santa

Handmade Book Thong with Christmas Beads, Holiday Bookmark, Santa

Covergirlbeads

Lampwork Beads Transparent Sage Green Etched Sea Glass Silver 019efs

Lampwork Beads Transparent Sage Green Handmade Glass Beads Fine Silver

Wyverndesigns

Fairy Cottage Christmas Ornament Hand Sculpted From Polymer Clay

Fairy Cottage With Christmas Ornanment Hand Sculpted From Polymer Clay

ShadowDogDesigns

Christmas Santa Skull Earrings Handmade Red Swarovski Sparkling Beaded

Christmas Santa Skull Earrings Handmade Red Swarovski Sparkling Beaded

 

TheSingingBeader

Charming Red Jingle Bell Wirewrapped Earrings Surgical Steel Ball post

Charming Red Jingle Bell Wirewrapped Earrings Surgical Steel Ball post

jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Bracelet Wrap Stack Green Beaded Fancy Jasper Gemstone metal Handmade

Green Fancy Jasper Gemstone metal Beaded Handmade Memory Wire bracelet

dianesdangles

Gold, Green, and Red Glass Acrylic Beaded Holiday Christmas Bracelet

Gold, Green, and Red Glass Acrylic Beaded Holiday Christmas Bracelet

There are many other gift ideas in our Countdown to Christmas series, so check out these other goodies:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12

More recipes and goodies:
Fruitcake cookies
Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Cookies
Apple Cider Caramel Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies
Pecan Tarts
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Angel Delights
Almond Puff Cookies
Peppermint Meltaways
Enjoy,

Julie and Blu

Friday, December 5, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 Week 12

 Thank you for participating in our 3rd Annual

Countdown to Christmas

2014 

It's here 

It's time 

Buy everything now or forever miss your chance 


get the InLinkz code < -- Get your blog hop code here.

If anyone would like to join us on the Handmade Community Facebook page, please follow this link. I took the group over from Nikki about a month and a half ago (or so), and it is dedicated to handmade only. We are over 300 strong and working on networking. https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadecommunity/ 

One more share of our ezine, and take a moment to grab more holiday recipes! Happy cooking and baking.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

12 Days of Baking–Countdown to Christmas

Peppermint Meltaways

Peppermint Meltaways

Ingredients

    1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

FROSTING:

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons 2% milk

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
  2. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  3. In a small bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar, milk, extract and, if desired, food coloring; beat until smooth. Spread over cooled cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.

Lots of swirling red and white peppermints make these cookies just yummy to look at, let alone eat!

Here are more yummy things to look at, and you better snatch these up soon, or they will be like those cookies – GONE!

Nina scorner

Handmade Crochet Heart Placemats and Heart Coasters Set

Handmade Crochet Heart Placemats and Heart Coasters Set

specialtivity

Candy Cane Red and Pink Striped Wrapped Candy Handblown Glass Earrings

Candy Cane Red and Pink Striped Wrapped Candy Handblown Glass Earrings

KevsKrafts

Cyber Monday Sale Christmas Bell With Candy Canes Ornament Handmade From Ash Wood

Cyber Monday Sale Christmas Bell With Candy Canes Ornament Handmade From Ash Wood

hollyknittercreations

Hand Knit Red and White Candy Canes on Parade Dish Cloth or Wash Cloth

Hand Knit Red and White Candy Canes on Parade Dish Cloth or Wash Cloth

SewAmazin

Peppermint Candy Red White Dog Scrunchie Neck Ruffle

Peppermint Candy Red White Dog Scrunchie Neck Ruffle

RSSDesignsInFiber

Red Heart in White Irish Crochet Lace Trinket Doily - or Coaster - Set

Red Heart in White Irish Crochet Lace Trinket Doily - or Coaster - Set

PrettyGonzo

White Pearl Red Crystal Earrings Handmade Beaded Jewelry Swarovski

White Pearl Red Crystal Earrings Handmade Beaded Jewelry Swarovski

ResetarGlassArt

Red and White Christmas Necklace, Child on Snow Sled, Fused Art Glass

Red and White Christmas Necklace, Child on Snow Sled, Fused Art Glass

evezbeadz

Handmade Fat Jolly Old St Nick Glass Dangle Silver Plated Earrings

Handmade Fat Jolly Old St Nick Glass Dangle Silver Plated Earrings

craftingmemories

Brick Stitch Beaded Red and White Lacy Heart Earrings

Brick Stitch Beaded Red and White Lacy Heart Earrings

bluemorningexpressions

Necklace Red Spot White Black Dagger Bead Rubber Silver Plate Bail

Necklace Red Spot White Black Dagger Bead Rubber Silver Plate Bail

Omisilver

Pink Jade and Guatemalan Ruby Jade Sterling Necklace

Pink Jade and Guatemalan Ruby Jade Sterling Necklace

jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Earrings Handmade Bead Delicate Tierracast Angel Wings Red White Green

Delicate Tierracast Angel Wings Red White Green Handmade for Christmas

TheTwistedRedhead

Red and White Beaded Wristlet, ID, Key Holder, Handmade, Memory Wire

Red and White Beaded Wristlet, ID, Key Holder, Handmade, Memory Wire

Covergirlbeads

Multi Use Leather Belt Purse Key Saddle Backpack Lampwork Bead Charm

Multi Use Leather Belt Purse Key Saddle Backpack Lampwork Bead Charm

Umeboshi

Red and White Square Handmade Post Earrings - Fused Glass

Red and White Square Handmade Post Earrings - Fused Glass

Wyverndesigns

Button Snowman Brooch Lapel Pin For The Holiday Season Wool Felt

Button Snowman Brooch Lapel Pin For The Holiday Season  Wool Felt

IslandsOfTime

White Pink Art Glass Beaded Key Chain Black Pink Beads 1.25" Key Ring

White Pink Art Glass Beaded Key Chain Black Pink Beads 1.25" Key Ring

KatsAllThat

Red and White Superduo Snakeskin Beadwoven Handmade Cuff Bracelet

Red and White Superduo Snakeskin Beadwoven Handmade Cuff Bracelet

ShadowDogDesigns

Christmas Candy Peppermint Earrings Handmade Lampwork Red White

Christmas Candy Peppermint Earrings Handmade Lampwork Red White

TheSingingBeader

Whimsical Santa Face Head Earrings Lampwork Glass Gift Boxed

Santa Earrings Lampwork Glass Head Face Gift Boxed Christmas Stuffer

ElunaJewelry

Gemstone Stackable Rings, Set of Three (3) Red Blue and White Stone Rings, Fourth of July Jewelry

Gemstone Stackable Rings, Set of Three (3) Red Blue and White Stone Rings, Fourth of July Jewelry

There are many other gift ideas in our Countdown to Christmas series, so check out these other goodies:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11

More recipes and goodies:
Fruitcake cookies
Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Cookies
Apple Cider Caramel Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies
Pecan Tarts
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Angel Delights
Almond Puff Cookies
Enjoy,

Julie and Blu

Monday, December 1, 2014

New Beads and the End of the Year

Volume 11 Issue 12, December 2014

What's New in December?

Here we are at another year closing, and many of my good intentions did not get realized. Hopefully, I have not disappointed anyone other than me and the dog, and he is fairly forgiving. However, when I look at the intentions, there were many that were probably not going to work anyway. I do spend a lot of time during my planning working on creating new designs or playing with new ideas, so when they don’t come to fruition, it is probably for the best. On the other hand, I got a lot accomplished as well.

In a mad rush to finish out the year with some sort of respectable amount of finished beads and products, I squeaked out another 20 plus beads and a couple finished watches. My pattern site grew by 300 patterns, and the site now has over 700 on it.

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More Beads: I started replenishing my bead stock. I managed to get 22 new sets created. I did round, coin and tube bead styles. I went a little rose crazy!

Golden Globes: We will be participating in the gifting at the Golden Globes this year.

Everything is in my Artfire studio, my Etsy shop and my

website:

www.bluemorningexpressions.com

Until next month,

Julie & Blu

clip_image002[5]clip_image004clip_image006

Things to Look Forward To:

New Products:

Watches: I finished up two watches, and I have others that are on the design board, which I hope to have finished this month.

Necklaces: I have a lot of new necklaces in the works that are simple chains. I got one parrot necklace done, and it already flew away to a new home.

clip_image002[7]clip_image004[4]clip_image006[4]

Friday, November 28, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 Week 11

Welcome to our 3rd Annual

Countdown to Christmas

2014 

 


get the InLinkz code < -- Get your blog hop code here.

If anyone would like to join us on the Handmade Community Facebook page, please follow this link. I took the group over from Nikki about a month and a half ago (or so), and it is dedicated to handmade only. We are over 300 strong and working on networking. https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadecommunity/ 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

12 Days of Baking–Countdown to Christmas 2014

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling cookies

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool completely (about 20 minutes). Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees (F).
  2. Process almonds in a food processor 30 seconds or until finely ground but not powdery.
  3. Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add vanilla and 1 cup powdered sugar, beating well. (Dough will be crumbly.)
  4. Combine flour, salt, and almonds; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended.
  5. Shape dough into ¾-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
  6. Bake at 325° for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks, and cool 10 minutes. Roll cookies in ½ cup powdered sugar.

These are wonderfully delicious little cookies. The same as Mexican Wedding cookies, only with almonds.

Speaking of wonderfully delicious cookies, these wonderfully delicious gifts will be wonderful in gift boxes everywhere, so shop now and get them in time for the holidays.

specialtivity

Antique Gold Pewter Fancy Heart Charm Celtic Knot Leather Bracelet

Antique Gold Pewter Fancy Heart Charm Celtic Knot Leather Bracelet

PrettyGonzo

Purple Awareness Earrings Swarovski Crystals Pearls Gold Tone Ribbons

Purple Awareness Earrings Swarovski Crystals Pearls Gold Tone Ribbons

polymerclaybeads

Red Rose Beads, Handmade Beads, Gold Beads, Jewelry Making Supplies, Beading Supplies

Red Rose Beads, Handmade Beads, Gold Beads, Jewelry Making Supplies, Beading Supplies

SewAmazin

Caramel Brown Kitty Cat 3-piece Accessory Gift Set

Caramel Brown Kitty Cat 3-piece Accessory Gift Set

postcardsintheattic

Antique Postcard "Oh, Send me, soon, a letter..." Poem by V. B. from the Good Cheer Series by F.A Owen Co., 1919

Antique Postcard "Oh, Send me, soon, a letter..."  Poem by V. B. from the Good Cheer Series  by F.A Owen Co., 1919

RSSDesignsInFiber

Bird of Peace Filet Crochet Lace in a Hanging Hoop Suncatcher Ornament

Bird of Peace Filet Crochet Primitive Style Ornament or Wall Hanging

KevsKrafts

Reindeer Christmas Tree Ornament Handcrafted from Poplar Wood

Reindeer Christmas Tree Ornament Handcrafted from Poplar Wood

ninascorner

Handmade Crochet Fuzzy Mane Lion Amigurumi

Crochet Lion Amigurumi

craftingmemories

Dropped Caged Bead Earrings

Dropped Caged Bead Earrings

evezbeadz

Iridescent Starburst Czech Glass Button Sterling Plated Ring

Starburst Iridescent Czech Glass Button Sterling Plated Ring

http://umeboshi-jewelry-designs.myshopify.com/

Gold-Green Long Rectangular Dichroic Glass Dangling Earrings - Handmade

QuiltTops

Vintage Haeger Oval Pottery Vase or Planter 4020B USA Mid Century

Vintage Haeger Oval Pottery Vase or Planter 4020B USA Mid Century

KatsAllThat

Blue Green Apatite, Via Murano Filigree Gold Heart Chandelier Earrings

Blue Green Apatite, Via Murano Filigree Gold Heart Chandelier Earrings

Covergirlbeads

Art Glass Pendant Butterscotch Lampwork Glass Bead Sterling Silver

Butterscotch Lampwork Glass Bead And Sterling Silver Charm Pendant

ResetarGlassArt

Gold and Black Cufflinks, Helix Chevron Pattern, Dichroic Fused Glass

Gold and Black Cufflinks, Helix Chevron Pattern, Dichroic Fused Glass

ShadowDogDesigns

Tree of Life Pendant Necklace Handmade Chalcedony Pearls Brown Green

Tree of Life Pendant Necklace Handmade Chalcedony Pearls Brown Green

TheSingingBeader

Gold Bracelet Puffy Squares Linked Beads Adjustable Small Medium

Gold Bracelet Puffy Squares Linked Beads Adjustable Small Medium

jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Infinity Scarf Extra Long Off White Shimmering Gold Finger Crochet

Extra Long Off White Shimmering Gold Finger Crochet Infinity Scarf

Wyverndesigns

Spirals In Time Ancient Symbols Necklace Polymer Clay Hand Made

Spirals In Time Ancient Symbols Necklace  Polymer Clay Hand Made

BeadSouk

Gold Colored Chain Necklace 23 inch Black Crystal Glass Beads

Gold Colored Chain Necklace 23 inch Black Crystal Glass Beads

ElunaJewelry

Small Hoops, Gold Filled Hoop Earrings, Gold Reverse Hoop Earrings - 1 Inch

Small Hoops, Gold Filled Hoop Earrings, Gold Reverse Hoop Earrings - 1 Inch Diamter

There are many other gift ideas in our Countdown to Christmas series, so check out these other goodies:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10

More recipes and goodies:
Fruitcake cookies
Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Cookies
Apple Cider Caramel Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies
Pecan Tarts
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Angel Delights
Enjoy,

Julie and Blu