Sara's Sweet Surprise

After much thought I ' ve decided to postpone my tutorial .   Instead I wanted to  send a Christmas messa ge of hope that   everyone  will be surrounded by love and encouragement   as we head into the New Yea r.      SWEET WISHES!  

These are the Christmas treats I'll be making but, both marshmallow pops will be mounted on candy cane/sticks.   Let me know if you'd like me show you the how to's? I know to most of my blogettes (that's you) think of me as a foodie enthusiast.  But I've also taught craft classes for several years.  I'm an avid DIYer. I have a passion for creating  But, unfortunately I have a huge handicap.  I can't sew (on a sewing machine)!  Yup, I was the one and only student who never signed up for sewing in Home Economics.  After the typing class  mishap, (where I was advised to leave after a week of chicken pecking), I didn't want to have a repeat episode. However...my lack of sewing skills has made me the fastest glue gun in the Pacific Northwest!   Now with Christmas upon us...I thought it was time to heat up our glue guns for craftin'! Here's my inspiration!! A f luff   of sug...

When Fall rolls around I know this means one of my seasonal favorites is here. Honey Crisp apples! I look forward to using them in a few new and old recipes . This  inspirational photo paired with my honey crisps resulted in two types of pies .  W ith my muffin tin I made single serving tarts similar to this photo and the other... I used my (small) oval ramekins for a double serving size. Well, i n my husbands case...he considers it his generous single serv e . Each were topped with vanilla cream.  I created this recipe in a pinch and now it 's become the one most requested Vanilla Cream 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup (give or take to taste) Darigold /French-Vanilla-Creamer (No substitutes. Darigold creamer is made with real cream) 1 teaspoon corn starch Directions: In a saucepan combine all the ingredients.  Wisk until it thickens.  Strain into pitcher .   L ay plas...

PLEASE EXPAND TO WATCH FULL VIEW Natalie's channel ~ http://www.youtube.com/user/natalie306642?feature=watch Neiman Marcus   "CUPCAKE F ERRIS WHEE L!" Fall~ cupcake liners, cookie cutters, leaves small and large, tags, cupcake cook book. I've decided to extend the giveaway until October 31st

I've been away far too long.  But, I think you'll forgive me when I show you why.  I'm elated to introduce you to my grandson. I've only been a grandma for 3 months, but I feel like a pro already! Atty sporting his "Newsboy" traveling cap. The  Nursery... is in the finally stages of progress (YEA).  The nursery has and will continue to serve as a guest bedroom.  I wanted to somehow combine the two schemes together without clashing.  I've got an older home with very small bedrooms. Which calls for some  creative rearranging. It's always a fine line between minimal and cluttered. I wanted the feel of a nursery with a neutral palette to match the existing decor.  So, I chose a combination of, houndstooth, gingham, check and velvet. In shades of Glacier and Sand. The children's toile print fit perfectly. This picture frame will be a main focal point. It's a DIY project I've created tha...

Some of you may recall me mentioning that I was a Regular on American Bandstand in the 197o's. I would feel re-missed had I not shared a few memories of Dick Clark who was a concement professional that treated us teens with the utmost of respect. He may have ran a tight ship, but he always made time to engage with us in between takes. He'd always make sure we were well cared for by his staff. There's a specific occasion that always comes to mind. One common fear amongst us teens was.....having an embarrassing moment on camera. Without immunity this fear came to fruition for me. As the cameras were rolling...I was dancing on the riser next to the podium where Dick Clark stood. Just as the camera panned over to me..... I tripped on a snag in the linoleum floor. I looked at my partner with a panic stricken face, feeling myself free falling to the ground, ( my heart was racing at the horrible thought filming might be halted over my fumble). I tried despe...

When I look out my window at this dreary day, it's hard to believe it will soon be overflowing with shades of pink, red, blue and purple. Along with my love of roses..... my most favored flower are peonies. Sadly it's hit or miss whether or not the rain will wash the blooms away before I can enjoy them. So, on those rare sunny days I harvest as many as I can gather. You can imagine the abundance of peony arrangements that overtake every nook and cranny of my home. With bated breath I wait their arrival. But, until then.....I hit my stash to find a few reminders of whats to come. A glass door knob, faux flowers and a bit of lace is all I need. Enhancing my (faux) flowers with a little spritz. I have a collection of scented sprays..... rose, lavender or gardenia water. Voila! A spring bouquet has bloomed!

Here's the story of how a lil' heart got it's big start. The New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) debuted their Sweethearts Conversation Hearts in the 1800s. Originally called "motto hearts," their precursor was a trendy fortune cookie-like treat sold during the Civil War called a "cockle," which had printed phrases rolled up inside its scallop-shaped shell. Printing words directly on the candy was the bright idea of Daniel Chase, the brother of NECCO's founder. He also invented the machine that both pressed red vegetable coloring on the candy dough and cut the shapes. The new candies were a hit, especially wedding-day versions with sayings like: "Married in Pink, He will take to drink," and "Married in white, You have chosen right." At the turn of the last century, NECCO "Conversation Motto s" were even produced in shapes like watches, horseshoes, and baseballs. Many of the original sayings, like "Be Good,...