Ornaments: Part 2 - Of the Tree

Colorful ornaments in glass cylinders are a simple way to decorate for the holidays.

My ornament collection varies from Target to Neiman Marcus to The MOMA and were selected based on color.

Add a rope light to the cylinder and ornaments for drama.

photo from CB2

Make a wreath from ornaments.

Follow the "how-to" instructions on the CB2 blog by clicking here.

Legos For Grown-ups: Gift Idea

Kids shouldn't have all the fun.

Here are Legos for us big people.

These sets would make a great gift...and look good on a bookshelf once assembled.

Guggenheim Museum Lego Set 208 pieces $45.00

Fallingwater Lego Set 811 pieces $110.00

Sets can be purchased here or here.

Have a great weekend. See you Monday

Holiday Listening

During the holidays it seems like I've constantly got seasonal music or audio books playing.

Usually the first CD I listen to is Holidays On Ice by David Sedaris.

No matter how many times I listen I still laugh out loud.

You can listen by clicking here for the NPR podcast.

Click here to preview songs on Chris Botti's December CD. This has become one of my favorites, very peaceful.

This Mariah Carey CD is a classic. Very fresh take on old holiday favorites.

Hubby and I always play an Andrea Bocelli CD when we have pasta for dinner. (corny, I know) This CD is new for 2009. I'm liking it.

Happy Listening

Ornaments: Part 1 - For the Tree

Christmas tree decorating is very personal.

Some trees are designed around a theme, some a color. White lights or colored, blinking or not. Handmade ornaments and family treasures or the latest glittery design from a holiday store.

I'm especially loving the ornaments at Anthropologie this year.

Ebay and Etsy have great vintage tree trimmers.

1 vintage bottle brush ornaments $18 Ebay 2 Neiman Marcus $54 3, 4, 7, Anthropologie $16-$18 each 5 vintage Sputnik Atomic Star Ebay bid 6 vintage sold on Etsy 8 Garnet Hill $28

A truly green ornament - Spruce in a bottle Etsy $9

What's your favorite ornament?

Almond Buttercrunch - Holiday Treat

I love to make this yummy almond brittle with chocolate glaze at holiday time. I serve it at my holiday party and give it as gifts in fun, reusable containers.

photos by me

Heat 1 stick of butter, cut into pieces, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup corn syrup and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a non-stick skillet over moderate heat. Stir until mixture bubbles.

Add 1 1/2 cups of whole, salted, roasted almonds to the skillet and cook until mixture is golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Pour mixture onto a buttered shallow baking pan and spread evenly.

Immediately sprinkle 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips over the almond mixture and spread chocolate evenly as it melts. Let stand at room temperature for about 2 hours.

Break buttercrunch into small pieces. Makes about 1 lb of candy.

Lagniappe: A Little Something Extra

Rochester, MI kicks-off the holiday season this evening.

The Big, Bright Light Show will debut at 7 pm

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available and there will be various musical performances.

Local merchants offer Lagniappe. (Creole for a little something extra)

I'll be at Firebrick Gallery with holiday jewelry and ornaments.

Thanksgiving

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

See you on Monday.