Christmas Sleigh Ride 2021

Hi everyone!

We’re going on a Christmas Sleigh Ride!

This is the first sleigh ride post this year. As before, I look around the World Wide Web and try to find some fun and useful ideas for Christmas. I wouldn’t say 2021 has behaved itself, but we’ll see if we can perk things up.

Christmas Gnomes are all the rage now. So I’ve found this little tutorial on how to make your very own Christmas gnome in 5 easy steps. And they are easy, cheap to make and adorable!

How to Make a Christmas Gnome, by Autumn.

Happy Hooligans thought they’d invite the kids to play along and make a bunch of super cute gnome ornaments. It’s a fun project and something for them to do while on Christmas holidays. 

Gnome Ornaments, by Happy Hooligans. 

Although it’s lovely to look out the window and see the snowflakes dancing in the sky and covering the lawn in a blanket of purity…shoveling it will give you a pain in your back. I found a great recipe for bath salts you’ll love to soak in. 

(No More) Back Pain Aromatherapy Bath Salts from Om Nom Ally.

These actually do sound amazing, and I think I have all the EO’s for these too!

The holiday season is always such a busy time and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and completely miss that warm cozy Christmas feeling. So I watch Christmas movies. I’ve included the Hallmark movie guide and am also including one for the kids!

2021 Hallmark Movie Guide- click the link to get a download of the guide.

Christmas Movies on Disney

Since we’re doing some things with the kids, here’s another super cute idea. There’s a little video included and honestly, these would be really cute to wear on your coat. You just have to attach a pin to the back. 

Tea light Snowmen Ornaments, by One Little Project. 

One of the ways we bring Christmas into our homes is by the decor we put out. There’s great ways to make things with what we have handy. Some Epsom salts, glue, a mason jar and a Christmas pick and we’re almost there! 

DIY Snowy Mason Jar Luminaries by Instru Pix

I love what you can do with barn wood for Christmas. Check these out…I love the rustic look, but the second one is beautiful too. I couldn’t find any sources for these, but they’re easy enough that anyone could make them just by looking at them. 

I don’t know about you, but I love to bake and Christmas baking is my favorite. I’ve shared my eggnog bread on this blog with you, and my fudge puddles. I found these recipes and haven’t tried them yet, but they look so simple! Who knew Jolly Ranchers would premiere in a cookie one day?

Stained Glass Cookies from Cooking Classy.

If you’re a no bake kinda cookie gal, here’s a recipe that may work for you.

No Bake Coconut SnowBalls

This particular post got a lot of attention when it came out, and no wonder! Who doesn’t like elf boot napkins at the Christmas table? Super cute and easy. Depending on what napkins you use, you can get elegant to woodsy!

Elf Boot Napkins

Last but not least, some cheery snacks!

Snow Day Snack Mix

That’s our Christmas Sleigh Ride for today. I hope you get a chance to try some of these ideas out!

Meanwhile, I’m off to work on another post!

See you soon,

Carmen

Early Christmas Makings

Autumn is an active season for me. With the change from summer to Fall, my focus changes too. This time of year is my favorite. The weather is better, although it's been unusually windy here lately. No matter. There has been a bit of a shift this year though. For one thing almost all my Christmas shopping and making is done. That's extremely unusual. Everything is almost all packed too. It's weird. Not that I'm complaining. Now I can focus on making shortbread, butter tarts, gingerbread, my amazing antipasto, and for the first time ever, bacon jam. Yes, you read that right. It's for on top of crackers and boursin cheese. I can't wait to make it, and I'll let you know if it was a winner or a bust.

So, it's been almost 2 months since I last posted. That's some kind of record for me. I actually thought about shutting the blog down because I was so tardy. I thought better of it because there's still some good ideas on here for people, especially the Christmas Sleigh Ride posts, which are still popularly frequented every year. Plus, I share things I've made and also include the location of the free patterns that I've used. Yes, I'll just keep this little blog up and running for a while longer.

Let me show you what I've been making lately. If you're on my Facebook page, you've probably seen some of these, but please bear with me if you have. 

Most of these hats were donated.

I've also been making peek a boo pals from Gingermelon again this year. I have a 2 year old granddaughter that I think needs them. Plus once my other granddaughters realized I was making more (they each got 3 last year), they put in their orders for 2 or 3 more.  

Here they all are - - I have another lamb to make, and if I have time, I'll make the monkey (not shown) for my sister in law, who still sleeps with her monkeys everywhere she goes. No word of a lie. One of the many reasons I love her so !

They are too adorable, aren't they? Toys that will create memories, I hope.

I also had some custom hats to make, two of which I am still working on so won't show you just yet.

This one I made for an elderly lady using wool she picked out. It was that awful kinky wool. You couldn't tell where the stitches were in it. Terrible stuff, but she was happy with it. 

It originally came from this pattern, which is a free pattern but is no longer available as she's removed her blog, unfortunately. I do have the pattern on my harddrive still, thankfully.

Next, I made these, but I'm not sure who they're for yet. 

These two hats are a bit slouchy and the red one isn't finished yet. I'm thinking of putting one of these white fur pom poms on the top.  I still have to put a leather tag on the red one too. 

One more thing. I like to print off my own tags for Christmas. This year I was looking for something more plain. White or black. I find the other tags interfere with the wrapping paper. Anyway, here's what I found. They're "honest gift tags" from Bunny Peculiar (check her out) and can also be found on my Pinterest Christmas board along with some other tags and ideas too. 

Well, I think that's it, but really, that's enough anyway.

You all have a nice weekend, maybe I'll do a Bacon Jam Post soon - - 

Blessings,

Carmen

Awesome Antipasto Recipe

It's just a month and a half until Christmas. I'm still in denial, but am slowly making a list of things to do before it's here! Yes, apparently I'm a bit of a Grinch about it this year.

Around here, Christmas isn't Christmas without Antipasto, and mine is one of the best I have ever tasted. Unfortunately I can't take credit for the recipe, which is why I think I can unashamedly brag about it.

It was one handed to me one Christmas by a good friend of mine. It came attached to a jar of Antipasto with a bright red ribbon, and accompanied by a box of Ritz crackers. I immediately fell in love with how wonderful this stuff tasted (first time I had ever had it) and have made it almost every year at Christmas time since then. 

In fact, I could eat it out of the jar with a spoon. 

In fact, I have. 

Others have too. It just has that effect on people. I'm telling you, this stuff is yummy!! 

Along with some crackers, it has saved my butt numerous times as a last minute appetizer and is always well received. When I'm asked to come to a party and bring something, they almost always request either my Antipasto or my Spinach Dip -- or both! 

In fact, the reason I decided to do this post is because one of my followers emailed and asked me about my Antipasto recipe (say, "thank you, Cate"). I did mention my Antipasto in another post, but didn't add the recipe. In fact, I posted my Eggnog Bread recipe there (which is amazing, btw), but I digress. You'd think this was a cooking blog! 

Let's get on with it then -- okay, just one more thing. You will probably be a bit surprised by the ingredients list. Don't question it, just go for it. You'll be glad you did! 

Awesome Antipasto

1 lb. cauliflower

2 - 14 oz. cans black olives 

2 - 8 oz. jars green olives

6 green peppers

60 oz. ketchup

1 cup olive oil

1/2 cup white vinegar

2 cans sliced mushrooms

4 - 7 oz cans drained solid chunk tuna (albacore is best)

Prepare jars and lids and keep hot.

Dice all vegetables, including olives into small pieces and place into a large pot (reserve mushrooms).

Add ketchup, vinegar and oil. 

Bring to a boil slowly and simmer at least 10 minutes. (Stirring continuously)

Add broken up tuna and cut up mushrooms and simmer another 30 minutes. 

Bottle into hot jars.

Makes 9 pints.

This recipe takes a lot of cutting, but it's worth it. Remember that the antipasto must fit on a cracker! 

Enjoy!

Here's some of my other Christmas Recipes:

Eggnog Bread

Homemade Kahlua/Coffee Liquer

Fudge Puddles

Also --

Check my right side bar for "Sleigh Ride" under "Archives" to find Christmas links to other blogs. There are some great gift, decor, drink ideas, etc. links listed. Anything to make life easier at Christmas time! 

Blessings,

Carmen

Top Ten of All Time

Good Morning!

I hope your year is going well thus far! It's snowing here in Kamloops, BC and it's a quiet day. I was just looking through my stats and thought I would post my Top Ten of all time for you. Maybe there is something you've missed over the years. :) Depending on the stats I use, the top 2 are interchangeable, oddly enough.

TOP TEN OF ALL TIME:

1) Sleigh Ride of Christmas Fun 3 

I've done several Sleigh Rides over the years, but this one remains the most popular.

2) Teacup Mirror and Envelopes

You would not believe how many requests I have had to make and sell these. The problem is how fragile these are for shipping, but I'm thinking about it. In the meantime I plan on making some to sell locally for next Christmas. 

3) Christmas Napkin Fold - Elf Boot

This one surprised me! These are super simple to make and they look so cute on your Christmas table. Depending on the napkins you use, they look different each time. Just a wonderful and quick way to make your Christmas table fun!

4) Snowman Digital Stamp

This one was no surprise! This image was shared all over the web at the time I made it. I don't know if anyone noticed, but there's a free Prim Garland digital on the page as well. :)

5) Sleigh Ride of Christmas Fun 2

Yes, you loved the Sleigh Rides! I decided that once Pinterest became popular, these posts would become redundant, but maybe not?

6) Birthday Awning Card and Free Digi's

I actually thought this one would be further up the list because of the response I received at the time.

7) Mushroomville, Free Digi Stamp

This is one of my favorites. I love that whimsical feel and this image just says that to me.

8) Some Sweets

Although the first image is no longer free, there are several images on the page that are still free. I had so much fun making this one up. :)

9) Sail Boat

I thought our Tall Ship image would be more popular than this one, but I was wrong. Perhaps because more people own sailboats than tall ships...Lol...

It just occurred to me that I should be listing these backwards....too late now! 

10) Primitive Angel Freebie 

A simple image, but cute. 

I'll be working on Digital images for Squigglefly and my Etsy shop in the next couple of weeks, so I'll do up a free image to post here soon! 

Have a good day!

Blessings,

Carmen

It's a Holly Jolly Sleigh Ride (3)

Hey there,

The horses are frisky tonight! Are you ready for our last Sleigh Ride? Hang on tight and bundle up well...it's chilly out there!

Let's look at some unique gift or decorating ideas!

Amber, from Salt Tree certainly knows how to get my attention! I just LOVE this adorable project. It's a magical Christmas story come to life!! Awesomeness! There's a tutorial! Just sayin'...so click on the link for the wonderful wintery instructional! LOVE it!!

It's really not fair! Some people have more talent than you can shake a stick at. That's also true for Anita, at The Artful Maven Haven. She invites us to visit The Hood at Christmastime! How incredible is this centerpiece, I ask?!! UHmazing!

To see close ups of individual items, click on the blog link. It's just gorgeous!!

Look at those adorable Christmas Fabric Baskets!! EEeek!! They are just adorable!! I want to make some for my grandkids. They have stockings at home, but these are great for Gramma's house! :)
There's a great tutorial by Pam, from Threading My Way. Be sure and visit her on her blog. Lots of inspiration there.

Here's another quick but lovely gift idea! Check out Dandelions and Dust Bunnies to find out what Kathy has been up to! What a great idea!! It's wood and paper people...you can make these, and she shows you how!!

Hey! Let's stop here! Who doesn't like jewelry....especially for last minute gifts? 

Love these Jersey Knit Bracelets from V and Co. There's a tutorial on her blog. Great for last minute gifts!

Sarah, from Sarah Ortega has a tutorial on how to make these super cute Birds Nest Necklaces! Oh my they are cute!!!!

Little Birdie Secrets has done it again! Oh how I love things that are unique. Got paper? Make jewelry!!

Last, but certainly not least, look at this cute little yardstick tree created by Carlene from Organized Clutter.

I hear cookie exchanges are pretty popular. What's a creative way to wrap those cookies up? Let's look here for some ideas!!

                              Paper, Plates and Planes

                                 Country Living

                  Broadway Paper

              Stony Brook Cookie Co.

Are you cold? 
Check out these hand warmers! Not much to say except they're made with rice. I found them on Pinterest here. Just put them in the microwave, put them in your pockets, and you'll have warm hands for at least an hour!

Let's stop in at the Candy Boutique!

I love the following idea in place of stockings for the grandkids! Instead of using boxes, I just might use the denim boxes from Threading My Way featured above!
This Candy Bouquet is at Crafts N Coffee. Love them peeps!

And look at those Candlestick Apothecary Jars. How creative!!! Kayleen from This Old Chair sure has a unique flair! Plus, she tells you how to make your own!

Celebrating Inspiration has a tutorial to make Grace's Candy Topiaries. 

How about some fun that the kids can help with? 

Sue, from Munchkin Munchies makes these cute little  Peppermint Platters. How cute are these?

When you're done that, how about putting together a Peanut Igloo? Zakka Life  shows you how! Your kiddos will love it!

So, for this one you may have to make most of it....but the kids are going to LOVE IT!!! Check out The Fickle Pickle and Make It Do for this super Snowman Kit...Just Add Snow! :)

The Fickle Pickle

            Make It Do- Hat instructions
I'm working on my own Snowman Making Kit right now. I've decided to use Glittery Holly Leaves on the Hat....here's mine~

Oh...and I made a printable for the tags. Here it is if you'd like to make your own! What fun!!

Time to stop at Penny's Paper Shop!

Here's some printable tags from Creative Index! Please go there to download, and please leave a comment with them!

Have your kids received a Letter from Santa yet? Here's one from Free Santa Letters.net. Please go to their site to download. If you want to create a personalized one, they also do that!

I love looking at Christmas Cards...check out the ones below for some great ideas!

                          Cards By Kerri

   Susie Stampalot  Great card to go with a neighbor gift! 

Organizing Home Life has an awesome list of Stocking Stuffers for different genders and ages! Check out the link!

Well, it's getting late and I'm thirsty! Looks like we're back anyway, so let's go inside!

Do you feel like some Festive Holiday Warmers? An Egg Nog Latte? Red Velvet Latte? Or, how about a Gingerbread Hot Chocolate? Find the recipes at the Salt Tree!

How about a Cake Pop to go with that? Janine at Sugar Kissed shows you how!

Now before you leave, make sure you give the horses a nice rub on their noses for all their hard work!

I hope you enjoyed our last Sleigh Ride of the season! I've enjoyed having you along!

Are you interested in my earlier Sleigh Rides for more great ideas? Check out the links below!

Sleigh Ride 1, 2012
Sleigh Ride 2, 2012 
Sleigh Ride 1, 2011 
Sleigh Ride 2, 2011
Sleigh Ride 3, 2011
Sleigh Ride 1, 2010
Sleigh Ride 2, 2010
Sleigh Ride 3, 2010
Sleigh Ride 4, 2010

Blessings,
Carmen
PS: This may be my last post for a week or two. I have some Christmas crafting and shopping to do!! =D