Snowman Soup

I found this on youTube today - looking for quick Christmas gift ideas for teachers and friends. I've seen the "reindeer food" version before - but I love the snowman soup. This video uses Stampin' Up products (I used to demo for them, too) but you could use any snowflake or snowman stamps with your own cardstock. Also, vintage imagery would be great as well. For the labels that say "freeze dried snowballs" you could print a label by hand to match, or use print your own label sheet on the computer. This looks so fast and easy - it would be a great project for kids to make. Super idea. I mean, there's chocolate in it right? Off to check my pantry for some freeze dried snowballs!

Snowman Soup Poem

Here is the "snowman soup" supply list and poem (for the posted video above) - it's listed on several Christmas crafting sites - with variations on how many chocolate kisses to include....more chocolate is better for me! More ideas: stocking stuffer, gift basket filler, 12 days of Christmas gift, Secret Santa present......I better get busy :) ♥

1 package hot chocolate mix
1-2 Hershey Kisses
10 mini-marshmallows
1 mini candy cane or cinnamon stick

Place in a small ziplock bag or in a new mug - or follow the instructions below.

Attach this poem:

"Was told you've been real good this year.

Always glad to hear it!

With freezing weather drawing near,

You'll need to warm the spirit.

So here's a little Snowman Soup

Complete with stirring stick.

Add hot water, sip it slow.

It's sure to do the trick!"

Thinking about Christmas

The leaves are all off the trees, and we've had more than one snowfall at my house (more coming next week). The kids already have their winter clothes, boots and sleds at the ready!

Is it just me or does Thanksgiving seem like a day of rest and lots of food to help us gain our strength for Christmas and the Holiday season? I can't believe I'm saying this because used to hate people who crowed, "I'm all done with my holiday shopping" - but "I'm done with my holiday shopping". I realize this is possible this year: 1.) because my youngest of 4 kids is in Kindergarten... 2.) I've really pared down the shopping list.... 3.) I hit a really great sale at The Christmas Tree Shop... 4.) I've been stashing gifts for the kids here and there as a make a little money from my eBay auctions. I may never be done with shopping this early ever again in my lifetime so this is my written proof. ♥ All that's left to do is the wrapping, baking and crafting. My three favorite things to do during the holidays. The hard part for me: getting all to the post office in time!

This vintage image is so inspiring to me- I have a shoebox full of old postcards from a nearby antique barn - I hope it inspires you to stay home, get cozy, and start your holiday crafting.

If you make something with this gorgeous blonde - I'd love to see it!

Vintage Imagery....Joanie on Holiday

I love this image - I've always called it "Joanie on Holiday". My dear mother-in-law Joan lives in Mijas Pueblo, Spain. She has suffered a stroke and seizure over the past weekend and is in hospital in Malaga. Feel free to copy and create something wonderful with this image. If you like what you've created, please share it with me so I can send it to Joanie. hugs and thanks ♥

....and the Winner of Blog Candy is.... ~ CazJN ~

CazJN - you are the winner of the Blogspot Candy Giveaway - please contact me with your email address - I want to make sure you get your goodies!

Happy Stamping! I'm off to practice my yakkity sax :)

Back on the Sax.....

I realize this is a crazy blogpost title, however, I wonder if I'm a little crazy lately myself. As you may have read in a previous post, I have taken out my tenor saxophone again. For those of you who knew me in my youth and are cheering me on - I appreciate your support (thanks, Margaret ♥). I am also grateful to my family for tolerating all the tooting.......

While I was mulling over whether or not I had any skills or chops left, searching on the internet led me to an intriguing website and forum: http://www.petethomas.co.uk/ and it's companion http://www.breakfastroom.co.uk/. After lurking in the forum group for a month or so, devouring all the posts about technical strides in mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures and which saxophones were considered the best - I've just posted my intro. Both are a fabulous resource for all things Saxophone. It was encouraging and inspiring to read the posts from men and women, younger and older and in between, who have been playing the sax for years and those at every age just beginning to play. Thanks, Pete ♥. Who is Pete Thomas? - click above and find out for yourself - and don't forget to check out his shopping links...Pete donates proceeds from sales to APEC, Leukaemia Busters and IMC Burma Cyclone Appeal.