Cute Christmas candy wreath

I've been having problems with my computer so I haven't been able to blog lately. Hope its sorted out now because I have lots to show you.
I went to a meeting for work the other day and the Consultant for our group had left these adorable Lindor wreaths at our places. I already knew she was a talented baker and decorator but I didn't know she was crafty, also, AND she has a Shilouette. I recognized it right away from the tags. I always appreciate a hand-made gift. I know the caring and thoughtfulness and time that goes into each one plus as you know, I have a particular weakness for Lindors.
Thanks Jenn.

She also made these adorable Red Velvet cupcakes. I'm a sucker for holly. These were made from rolled fondant. I think I may have to beg a few lessons down the road.

Outdoor Arrangements

Once again it's that time of year when I purchase my beautiful outdoor arrangements from the Living Outdoors store in Cambridge. It has a beautiful gift shop attached to the greenhouse with many unique and decorative items as well. They're open year round but I usually just go there for the holiday season. I must be sure to check them out during the other months as well as I am always pleased with what the designer comes up with.

My photos don't show the sparkle and detail but you get the idea.

Sprinkles

 

I have always loved sprinkles. It's been a tradition to make gingerbread and sugar cookies and ice and decorate them with the boys. And they looooove to load on the sugar and candy. So its a good thing my friends know me well and pick me up some great sprinkles and decorations when they are down in the States. I guess we have some good stuff here too but it's always nice to get your hands on something different.
Here's a little sampling of my recent stockpile (thanks Keri) ....

 

Now I need to get started on the Christmas baking.... it's certainly cold enough here today. Minus 12 C this morning when I took the dogs out. YIKES!

Epic Tea Biscuit Fail!

I have been baking for a long time so I know my way around the kitchen fairly well. One recipe I have never been able to conquer though is the tea biscuit. It's one of the few recipes that I have from my Grandma and while she made it often, when I make them they always turn out poorly.

So recently, I decided to try again. I read up on tips on the Internet on how to have the highest, lightest, fluffiest biscuits instead I got this....

 

concrete door stops!!!! If you have any ideas for me, drop me a line. I'm off to bake some shortbread.

My Favourite Holiday Colours

Yay! I was finally able to find the time to work with another fresh set of new stamps and colour up Lulu in my favourite holiday colours....traditional red and green. And I used my new favourite Doodlebug Christmas line once again. I loved paper piecing her little plaid dress. This card shows off my scrapbooking/cardmaking style. No frou-frou for me.
I am entering this card in Sassy Cheryl's Challenge 192, Favourite Holiday Colours

Mounds Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Another quick and easy bar cookie recipe with the added bonus, you can use up your leftover Hallowe'en candy. As far as I know, we don't have Mounds here in Canada so I pick them up everytime I go to the States. I really love the combination of dark chocolate and coconut and they made an interesting combination with the peanut butter. I also tried a couple snack size Mars which were DELISH but the caramel bled a bit. Makes a big 9 x 13 pan. If you like a softer cookie, you can bake on the lesser time.

Mounds Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups flour
Approx 25 mini Mounds bars

Cream butter, peanut butter and both sugars. Add egg, vanilla, salt, baking soda and milk and mix until combined. Slowly add flour until dough comes together. Press the cookie dough in a 9 x 13 pan, sprayed with Pam. Unwrap all the bars and press them in even rows on the top of the dough.
Bake for 22 -24 minutes at 350F until a golden brown. Let cool before slicing. YUM!

From the Heart Stamps Sketch Challenge

This week I wanted to make sure that I accomplished a card challenge. I selected the Sketch 041 this week by From the Heart stamps. It looked like a good one and I pulled out my long neglected House Mouse stamps for this one.
Here's the sketch....

And here's my take on it....

It's a little over-exposed.It's actually a very vibrant, cheery red. At least you get the idea. I glossed the light and added a few sparkles. The paper is Doodlebug Christmas, always cheerful and festive to get one in the holiday spirit.