Merry Christmas 2014

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpEpsVLDO1vtywFNCgZcaGmTZc_Nfs6pqCMxc6-92p8ZmEl7mlNSm0RWQaAB4iYk8flK0ApwUsKe43t6LJO_gMLR0NKNmwPxI4vwh9ISec7qHto1OWOMtCRU2RvIGi_BIklqpBoxqT-g/s1600/IMG_2218a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpEpsVLDO1vtywFNCgZcaGmTZc_Nfs6pqCMxc6-92p8ZmEl7mlNSm0RWQaAB4iYk8flK0ApwUsKe43t6LJO_gMLR0NKNmwPxI4vwh9ISec7qHto1OWOMtCRU2RvIGi_BIklqpBoxqT-g/s1600/IMG_2218a.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had big plans for the Christmas tree this year.  I ordered a Silvertip </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and had it shipped from California.  Itplanned it to arrive the first week of </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">December and after my office move I was going full-on in to Christmas decorating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The office move went perfectly and the next day I came down with the flu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am thankful that the flu waited until the move was done I was </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">disappointed I just didn't have the energy to do everything I wanted to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCc0AgLSauZEtFb2GVRLYdHdw8r3NX-Jp3iC4w2T1O5CFRxsNnrkpjbm43ELAXSs-r2gC3yKUD-0PRyUYSQC5X-ORA6IY-dx5XNyNoeNcyQ8j01YNtHiC9CthyphenhyphenOimyhusv19r4z2vHqw/s1600/IMG_2183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCc0AgLSauZEtFb2GVRLYdHdw8r3NX-Jp3iC4w2T1O5CFRxsNnrkpjbm43ELAXSs-r2gC3yKUD-0PRyUYSQC5X-ORA6IY-dx5XNyNoeNcyQ8j01YNtHiC9CthyphenhyphenOimyhusv19r4z2vHqw/s1600/IMG_2183.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Silvertip trees grow naturally in layers, very much like</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://anurbancottage.blogspot.com/2011/12/tree.html" target="_blank">the tree I created a few years ago</a>.  Pottery Barn uses these trees</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for their catalog, although looking at <a href="http://blog.potterybarn.com/the-story-behind-pottery-barns-holiday-catalog-trees/" target="_blank">this post about their trees</a>, it's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">clear they must still do some trimming to get that spare feather tree look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos_8JLJ88-QbR8WXN56EVnBGle_uN3OrtV8HVs470LmbZsR-GL5zddOA9HwqOYqf_sNKMEzk72LPN7HyUtQ_Kun5iJ_3dHvvotKuezj-XilWSGKtDhV8-iRcAXm29PsTOdV7jqBMKqzM/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos_8JLJ88-QbR8WXN56EVnBGle_uN3OrtV8HVs470LmbZsR-GL5zddOA9HwqOYqf_sNKMEzk72LPN7HyUtQ_Kun5iJ_3dHvvotKuezj-XilWSGKtDhV8-iRcAXm29PsTOdV7jqBMKqzM/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I've done a much scaled back tree using some things I could easily</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">get my hands on.  It's mainly pine cone garlands, birds, and leftover</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">flowers from Thanksgiving and flowers and leaves from the garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGqoKWDQoWcTabbfK02fiKc_wEcebL66FBtQWBX74TnGIKcee3NcZDvMWdNaguafloFzdS4nPTaMI7EMqSshyphenhyphenrKl6ouefEWLVl-JpSFjBIz7KrK-A7eIESVzUUMzcOZND3PvO2a7v_So/s1600/IMG_2196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGqoKWDQoWcTabbfK02fiKc_wEcebL66FBtQWBX74TnGIKcee3NcZDvMWdNaguafloFzdS4nPTaMI7EMqSshyphenhyphenrKl6ouefEWLVl-JpSFjBIz7KrK-A7eIESVzUUMzcOZND3PvO2a7v_So/s1600/IMG_2196.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though it wasn't the tree I planned, I still love it.  As much as </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I cherish all my collection of vintage, shiny ornaments, there's something</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">about using all natural materials that just feels right on a tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope that everyone is well and preparing for a wonderful time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with your family and friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!</div></div>

Merry Christmas 2014

I had big plans for the Christmas tree this year.  I ordered a Silvertip  and had it shipped from California.  Itplanned it to arrive the fi...

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Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties

<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTHBPC7EY5aFJoo-4TOKNizsFM6j0KbhGwH25iiBeoWbcZd1_aAsdo4UMw0qkwohR76toI4Y5K70Ho1-L9pGrHG6Qk8OZyzZzj6-EJIoPLAb_Xbt11i_97yIoH3MOAzBzYwkFFz6kV4xA/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTHBPC7EY5aFJoo-4TOKNizsFM6j0KbhGwH25iiBeoWbcZd1_aAsdo4UMw0qkwohR76toI4Y5K70Ho1-L9pGrHG6Qk8OZyzZzj6-EJIoPLAb_Xbt11i_97yIoH3MOAzBzYwkFFz6kV4xA/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" width="424" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">As you all know, each month I write an article for My Well-Being.com.  This month I shared my ideas for Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties.  It is not too late to try some of these ideas this year - most are very simple and require minimal planning.  Enjoy this excerpt, read the entire article, <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/ideas-hosting-heartfelt-holiday-parties-jhobick-2014-12-14-h0m0p1l2-000011110000">here</a>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><br />"Each Holiday season I make our family entertaining plan.  We don't host a large fancy open house or a cocktail party for a hundred people, but we host many small gatherings for our friends and family.  When I make this plan and schedule, we talk about what we really want to experience during the Holiday season - memorable moments with our family, magical experiences with our daughter, festive celebrations with friends and traditions of giving to others.  We do our best to plan our entire month of December around these goals of truly experiencing the warmth, peace and love that the Holidays can bring....</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Caroling Party, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Cookie Decorating Party, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Candlelight Dinner, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Stocking Stuffing Party..."</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Keep reading and get more details about each of these parties ideas, <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/ideas-hosting-heartfelt-holiday-parties-jhobick-2014-12-14-h0m0p1l2-000011110000">here</a>.  Happy Holiday Hosting!</span></div><br />

Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties

As you all know, each month I write an article for My Well-Being.com.  This month I shared my ideas for Hosting Heartfelt Holiday Parties.  ...

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Metallic Gold Celebration Candles & Chocolate Souffles for New Years | Last Day for Orders!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUS48xzylxzdp-rgJb6z64t7vAzn4lKrxsvO6s5U_G2-Y9R_yO3VneX5Yr2aTPw_708Odr9NEfaEzebb38Bz7qpwRaXhwWBYGOsTEqlOXJ3UJ4MFgWmaC48agOXAoYUl7gvTnyzbiVmhe/s1600/cc-metallic-celeb-6-gold.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUS48xzylxzdp-rgJb6z64t7vAzn4lKrxsvO6s5U_G2-Y9R_yO3VneX5Yr2aTPw_708Odr9NEfaEzebb38Bz7qpwRaXhwWBYGOsTEqlOXJ3UJ4MFgWmaC48agOXAoYUl7gvTnyzbiVmhe/s1600/cc-metallic-celeb-6-gold.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Today is the day - the last day to order and receive by Christmas Eve!  We've been counting and re-counting inventory to make sure our numbers are correct and there are a couple of things that we "found" and have been restocked.  If you need some last minute gifts, my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/holiday/products/gift-cards-boxed">Gift Cards</a> make great stocking stuffers and come in a beautiful box ready for giving : )  And, of course $5 shipping on all orders continues!<br /><br />I'm thinking a little about New Years Eve today, and have stocked up on these <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles">Celebration Candles</a> ($9-18.50) to ring in the New Year.  I love at home celebrations for NYE - cozy dinner by the fire, then something fun and spectacular for dessert. <br /><br />I carry the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles">Creative Candles Celebration Candles in 6" and 15"</a> - in 8 colors.  These Metallic Gold would be the perfect way to make your at home celebration special and festive for midnight. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2Zq_m3ThWnj0tTMpBP3w0ulX0Giq1pCmcVEyjLH57e5OUHnCq6UZQYheR2S52-YtrggOcS9wTAJ2_7M91MgxLoqgdaXFzDrSvIdtank0PQLWYL57af-D3pTwk07dr-mZGH5p34WGgzKD/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2Zq_m3ThWnj0tTMpBP3w0ulX0Giq1pCmcVEyjLH57e5OUHnCq6UZQYheR2S52-YtrggOcS9wTAJ2_7M91MgxLoqgdaXFzDrSvIdtank0PQLWYL57af-D3pTwk07dr-mZGH5p34WGgzKD/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" width="265" /></a><br /><br />Here is a photo that shows the scale of the 15" - they really are super tall.  I was going to try to get around to making a decadent chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and raspberries, but after making a birthday cake for Mike last week and a birthday cake for Emma on Monday, I am a little caked out!  So, you'll have to use your imagination : )<br /><br />In general, the 6" candles look super on cupcakes, and the 15" are great for cakes, or larger desserts. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcFOWkswqQD3_7vfZN84WPjrGeHqBzYhxpdK9AXDH0-DlkKsDEMGitPpNFdV-V9GeEXu_pTSToEapjxYe-Q9pfg1NzkuLprGZlr-lsnrwGDoc0zq96L3g4EjkBkpBOMbJ9L5EjUJVKumS/s1600/cc-metallic-celeb-15-gold_332841a6-b5a8-46b7-b84b-9c59a55a375f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcFOWkswqQD3_7vfZN84WPjrGeHqBzYhxpdK9AXDH0-DlkKsDEMGitPpNFdV-V9GeEXu_pTSToEapjxYe-Q9pfg1NzkuLprGZlr-lsnrwGDoc0zq96L3g4EjkBkpBOMbJ9L5EjUJVKumS/s1600/cc-metallic-celeb-15-gold_332841a6-b5a8-46b7-b84b-9c59a55a375f.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the gold in 15" - so fun!  I'm going to be giving some as hostess gifts this weekend, too.  I find they are always met with oohs and aahhs, even before lighting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCsGTpjRWDSiRJl3RtOki-BHxQbKkVYfcrQ8uMN3BL8eOUmvonxYv4qL_35o_k322T4zgrMq7uJL2pHOlCeVVNsObBrDUXVXgQFT6P_w85yiKBmz9E7jtWI4pfXOF1midif3SCQtECFSZ/s1600/IMG_6818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCsGTpjRWDSiRJl3RtOki-BHxQbKkVYfcrQ8uMN3BL8eOUmvonxYv4qL_35o_k322T4zgrMq7uJL2pHOlCeVVNsObBrDUXVXgQFT6P_w85yiKBmz9E7jtWI4pfXOF1midif3SCQtECFSZ/s1600/IMG_6818.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I have one last product to add before this Holiday season is over - these P<a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/souffle-cups">aper Souffle Cups</a>, $8 for 20.  I mentioned them a couple of days ago, but haven't had a chance to actually use them yet - again, you'll have to use your imagination : )  They are great when you are having  a big group and don't have enough ramekins, or don't want to deal with the last minute stress of flipping my Chocolate Molten cakes from the cupcake pan with your fingers crossed.<br /><br />Emma is at home with me today and we are going to try our hand at turning this recipe for my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/04/chocolate-molten-cakes-in-cupcake-pan.html">Chocolate Molten Cakes</a> into an easy Chocolate Souffle.  Since this is the last day of ordering, I wanted to give you a chance to buy even before I share the recipe, in case you have plans for a party and need a great dessert.<br /><br />I also have hopes of trying a Blue Cheese or Cheddar/Spinach Souffle, ala the Barefoot Contessa, in these, too!  Would be a great accompaniment to the Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin for Christmas or New Years Eve.  I am planning to use Ina's recipes, but in these cups for an individual size - which always works great for parties.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoVPjQ-FPOjGPfKT_ah-apGfwCw6bgzmloCvBq3Acg3a2K9n0wR9aV2hWg_pXadLeT-1Hjq6xuP-8BEbTdrsEBOwqSBpILcn-wfMex-5F2whYBHJZHncaUx15Qbf1UKIx9FmfcBZa4iFH/s1600/SFS_ChocolateSouffle_009_article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoVPjQ-FPOjGPfKT_ah-apGfwCw6bgzmloCvBq3Acg3a2K9n0wR9aV2hWg_pXadLeT-1Hjq6xuP-8BEbTdrsEBOwqSBpILcn-wfMex-5F2whYBHJZHncaUx15Qbf1UKIx9FmfcBZa4iFH/s1600/SFS_ChocolateSouffle_009_article.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/1577-make-ahead-chocolate-souffle">Chocolate Souffle</a> inspiration, via America's Test Kitchen.  I'll let you know how it goes... hopefully tomorrow!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqWpbVd_aKOeGkN0smq1UYN3uqC67nJMU0cMhtJqVAYAcHKl20GrP7dvRbbJFW1xyjE-mblh_XmwD8CBjWKHpmnxZO6K6vYicZoJlSX6pLWsWlFnbzQTqm_T3g8G2xYk_Cr4GSOekd4YN/s1600/320_51+blue+cheese+souffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqWpbVd_aKOeGkN0smq1UYN3uqC67nJMU0cMhtJqVAYAcHKl20GrP7dvRbbJFW1xyjE-mblh_XmwD8CBjWKHpmnxZO6K6vYicZoJlSX6pLWsWlFnbzQTqm_T3g8G2xYk_Cr4GSOekd4YN/s1600/320_51+blue+cheese+souffle.jpg" width="359" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/blue-cheese-souffle-recipe.html">Blue Cheese Souffle</a>, Barefoot Contessa<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw_bVoxxtCf2iYFDY5Egj0Cvp0Qq0KLXLiU5BAjullW2dVETNG6k1Nahj7Az9xYC8n3ZsNRxictV0pEVLnDx3nABkelHJn_cdNVXkLDg5UGQooOCmTuGOx8v40alMEfOJRic0QuGwQqKg/s1600/ina-3-0809-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaw_bVoxxtCf2iYFDY5Egj0Cvp0Qq0KLXLiU5BAjullW2dVETNG6k1Nahj7Az9xYC8n3ZsNRxictV0pEVLnDx3nABkelHJn_cdNVXkLDg5UGQooOCmTuGOx8v40alMEfOJRic0QuGwQqKg/s1600/ina-3-0809-de.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/kitchens/recipes/ina-garten-spinach-and-cheddar-souffle-recipe">Spinach & Cheddar Souffle,</a> Barefoot Contessa via House Beautiful.<br /><br /><br /><br />

Metallic Gold Celebration Candles & Chocolate Souffles for New Years | Last Day for Orders!

Today is the day - the last day to order and receive by Christmas Eve!  We've been counting and re-counting inventory to make sure our n...

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