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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 7, 2019 14:59:36 GMT
I just mailed my Christmas photo cards to my family.
And of course kept one for my album to scrap.
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Post by huskermom98 on Dec 7, 2019 15:10:01 GMT
I just mailed my Christmas photo cards to my family. And of course kept one for my album to scrap. Working on mine today--our church does a big card exchange so I'm trying to get my letter done and attached to my photo cards today so I can take them in tomorrow...and then hopefully get the rest sent out before Christmas! |
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Post by grammadee on Dec 7, 2019 15:28:29 GMT
I baked some cookies yesterday. Will post a pic in the 31 photos thread in Challenges.
I love the prompt about folk lore and origins of our holiday customs. Here in the dark north I love the stories of the huge bonfires in ancient Scotland and the Scandinavian countries. Enticing the sun to please come back to us. I have been saying how much I love the winter morning skies. Might need a photo of that.
Or maybe I can manage a shot of the Big Dipper in the northern sky later at night. When I was a child, and when my kids were little, we always looked for the big dipper in the sky when we traveled at Christmas. Hey, neither I nor they had electronic devices to entertain en route. And when I was a child we traveled with horses, so no lights to dampen the sharpness of the stars in the dark sky. Not sure if, in this electronic age, if I could capture a photo of that crispness... Maybe my Canon DSLR with the flash off, if I lay on my back in the snow and held it R.E.A.L.L.Y still???
How much will you pay to watch me try?
Today I plan to finish signing addressing the Christmas cards to family and friends. Not sure if I will get them all stuffed with the Christmas letter and sealed today. They need to be ready for mailing by Monday along with a couple of boxes of gifts.
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Post by hop2 on Dec 8, 2019 0:44:10 GMT
So far I’m loving the Crafters companion die advent calendar I bought myself I’ll post a picture at the end when I know I won’t ruin another peas surprises Day 1 Dream big
Day 2 tiny bow
Day 3 dog silhouette
Day 4 Scalloped heart
Day 5 Birthday Wishes
Day 6 Love
Day 7 mini sail boat |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Dec 8, 2019 7:32:21 GMT
Or maybe I can manage a shot of the Big Dipper in the northern sky later at night. Not sure if, in this electronic age, if I could capture a photo of that crispness... Maybe my Canon DSLR with the flash off, if I lay on my back in the snow and held it R.E.A.L.L.Y still??? How much will you pay to watch me try?Do you accept boxes of homemade truffles, grammadee?  In case anyone needs more Paislee Press items, there is a super cute new collection (cards, elements and templates). Its geared towards winter vs just Christmas. Get the whole collection for 1/2 off right now.With the link in Liz's newsletter.  |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Dec 8, 2019 7:49:38 GMT
Prompt n°8: Home is where the holiday spirit is
With Christmas now only just over two weeks away, most of us have started putting up our seasonal décor at home. This is your reminder to document the way your home looks and how it makes you feel at this time of the year. Did you go all out? Did you keep it simple and easy? Which part of your decorations do you love the most: the lights, bringing in some nature, the colourful ornaments, the fuzzy cushion covers? Celebrate your home no matter the level of Christmassy décor you've got happening! It's about embracing what you've got and what you got around to, not living up to some level of perfection or keeping up with the trends. Photo ideas: A bird's eye view shot of your living room, close-up shots of the little details you added to make it extra festive (seasonal mugs and tea towels, special candles, etc.), comparison shots of your living room during the day and at night all lit up, the boxes of decorations you left untouched in the basement this year if you've scaled down, a home-based activity that you love doing during December (hot cocoa with the kids, making a Christmassy puzzle, etc.). Song of the day: |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 13:29:48 GMT
janamke sleepingbooty go ahead and try to convince your family. 😊 We had a homemade couscous for Christmas one year. It was great, not only because it was fun and delicious but also because it has to be made in advance and "we" had nothing to cook on Christmas eve and Christmas Day. I loved having my Mom around the table almost-all-night.
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by craftymom101 on Dec 9, 2019 1:58:06 GMT
I’m working on my DD today... from 2017! I am determined to get this album done!
I’m 90% there and have had the album, unfinished, on my desk for two years! All the photos are printed and pages 1-11 were completely done. Today I finished the journaling for all the pages and now I’m printing journaling, adding embellishments, and finishing pages one at a time. So far I’ve finished pages 12, 13, 14, and 15! Working on 16 now. My goal is to finish pages 16 and 17 tonight and I’ll work on pages 18-20 tomorrow. I am so ready to be done with this album!
I didn’t do a DD last year but I’m doing one this year. My plan is to take photos and write my journaling throughout December and assemble the album in January. December is busy enough, I don’t need to tackle this project simultaneously.
The next project will be to finish my 2014 and 2015 albums, also 90% finished. 🤦🏻♀️
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 9, 2019 2:06:41 GMT
craftymom101 You go girl! 😁. Sounds like you are making good progress. Yesterday we decorated cookies, and today put up the tree. It's been a very merry weekend.
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craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by craftymom101 on Dec 9, 2019 3:35:53 GMT
craftymom101 You go girl! 😁. Sounds like you are making good progress. Yesterday we decorated cookies, and today put up the tree. It's been a very merry weekend. I am! I am notorious for starting these special projects only to abandon them at some point. I am determined to finish these albums! What a wonderful weekend you had! I decorated the house today and took a few photos of my boys for Christmas cards. I’ll put up the tree this week. |
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Post by mom on Dec 9, 2019 3:43:32 GMT
I've been in bed today with a head cold so my DD is still unstarted. I did edit my photos and got them ready to be printed when I go upstairs though. I am really glad I am doing a 4x6 album this year. It doesn't seem to be as overwhelming when I am behind.
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Post by joblackford on Dec 9, 2019 5:03:08 GMT
This weekend was our real Christmas kick-off weekend. First, the Jingle Bell Run (walk, for the Arthritis Foundation) with crazy costumes, and then the Seattle Men's Chorus (LGBTQIA+ non profit) Christmas concert. We heard that the fun run won't likely be in the next town over next year so we were sad about that but appreciated the experience while it lasted. We tried to remember how many years we've been doing it for, maybe 5 years? I'll have to check my DD albums. The concert has been an annual tradition for the past 5 or 6 years too, but we went to a different venue than usual. I'll share pictures (at some point) because we had amazing seats - I'd completely forgotten that I'd bought *cheap* front row right seats!! We were literally less than 10 feet away from the soloists and dancers at times. So cool!
This week I need to write in the family and friends' cards and get them in the mail, and then I need to start reading my December book group book (Prince's unfinished memoir, The Beautiful Ones, with lots of awesome photos) because the meeting date snuck up on me. I also have a few lunch dates and things. AND I finally got the photos from my SIL for the photo book I need to make before Christmas. (her MIL just died, so I didn't blame her for not doing it sooner). Lots of pages!
I'm also deciding whether to buy a special shallow tart pan to bake fruit mince pies in. I should just use the muffin pan I have, right? Save $20? I'm no pastry expert, not a baker at all, and although I'm a bit concerned about the dreaded soggy bottoms, I'm not sure I care $20 much... ? I could also just eat the fruit mince straight out of the bowl...
what would the DD peas do?
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Post by grammadee on Dec 9, 2019 5:51:20 GMT
Friday we attended the Christmas supper at the church. The meal was followed by a short service and a singing group. I didn't manage to take any photos.
Yesterday I wrapped gifts. Managed to get a shot of the Christmas wrap spread out on the floor. and of one of the gifts. Then we had people over for supper and to play cards. Have a few photos from that, too.
Today I finished assembling the family 2020 calendars, and got a photo of them ready to be wrapped up for the kids' Christmas gifts. Tonight was the Cantata, put on by a number of local churches. I managed to get quite a few photos of the choir, including a few cute kids in it, plus a neighbour lady in her Ukrainian traditional blouse which she wore to sing some of their traditional songs. As we were leaving, I spotted a log building near the church and it was strung with Christmas lights, so I managed to grab a photo of that, too.
There is hope for future holiday photos, too. My dgs's called yesterday to ask if I would help them put together a gingerbread house while I am there later in the week. (Their mom claims not to be crafty, but she always seems to manage to come up with crafty projects for the boys when Gramma is there LOL)
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Post by elegantsufficiency on Dec 9, 2019 8:30:21 GMT
I'm also deciding whether to buy a special shallow tart pan to bake fruit mince pies in. I should just use the muffin pan I have, right? Save $20? I'm no pastry expert, not a baker at all, and although I'm a bit concerned about the dreaded soggy bottoms, I'm not sure I care $20 much... ? I could also just eat the fruit mince straight out of the bowl... Someone sitting not so far from me could do that too!! I'd think you'd be fine with the muffin tin @jpblackford. I'm sure you've got plenty of alternative options to spend $20 on and there'd be all the more room for mincemeat as well  |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by kitbop on Dec 9, 2019 12:28:21 GMT
I'm also deciding whether to buy a special shallow tart pan to bake fruit mince pies in. I should just use the muffin pan I have, right? Save $20? I'm no pastry expert, not a baker at all, and although I'm a bit concerned about the dreaded soggy bottoms, I'm not sure I care $20 much... ? I could also just eat the fruit mince straight out of the bowl... Save your $ - I think soggy bottoms on mince are rare as the tops are open. we do a "cross" or "x" of 2 pastry strips across the top (that is what DH grew up with), or sometimes I do a small circle of pastry in the middle of the top, but not joining the edges. Then the steam escapes. I made my 5th dozen mince last night of the season. They are popular in our house  I love them. But have you read the calories on a jar of mince    |
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nicolep
Drama Llama
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Post by nicolep on Dec 9, 2019 13:02:07 GMT
This weekend was our real Christmas kick-off weekend. First, the Jingle Bell Run (walk, for the Arthritis Foundation) with crazy costumes, and then the Seattle Men's Chorus (LGBTQIA+ non profit) Christmas concert. We heard that the fun run won't likely be in the next town over next year so we were sad about that but appreciated the experience while it lasted. We tried to remember how many years we've been doing it for, maybe 5 years? I'll have to check my DD albums. The concert has been an annual tradition for the past 5 or 6 years too, but we went to a different venue than usual. I'll share pictures (at some point) because we had amazing seats - I'd completely forgotten that I'd bought *cheap* front row right seats!! We were literally less than 10 feet away from the soloists and dancers at times. So cool! This week I need to write in the family and friends' cards and get them in the mail, and then I need to start reading my December book group book (Prince's unfinished memoir, The Beautiful Ones, with lots of awesome photos) because the meeting date snuck up on me. I also have a few lunch dates and things. AND I finally got the photos from my SIL for the photo book I need to make before Christmas. (her MIL just died, so I didn't blame her for not doing it sooner). Lots of pages! I'm also deciding whether to buy a special shallow tart pan to bake fruit mince pies in. I should just use the muffin pan I have, right? Save $20? I'm no pastry expert, not a baker at all, and although I'm a bit concerned about the dreaded soggy bottoms, I'm not sure I care $20 much... ? I could also just eat the fruit mince straight out of the bowl... what would the DD peas do? This may not work if you're dead set on the pies but have you ever made mince bars? They're delicious and no special pan needed. |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Dec 9, 2019 13:54:55 GMT
Prompt n°9: From the kitchen of
With all the baking and cooking happening this month, consider recording a personal or family fave. All too often, we scribble down a recipe only to lose it years down the line or forget that we'd added it to a notebook. What's the thing you can't get enough of this month? Special cookies? Mince pies? A hearty winter stew? If you feel like it, elaborate on how this recipe came to be, how many you tried before finding "the one." And definitely use this prompt as an excuse to extract that secret recipe a friend or family member has been holding back... If you're not much of a cook, have fun with the prompt and use it as an opportunity to celebrate the kitchen of [insert supermarket/local restaurant or café name]. Photo ideas: A portrait of yourself/loved one using the recipe in the kitchen, a flatlay of all the ingredients required, a selfie of yourself with the finished product, the handwritten recipe itself it it's been passed down to you. Song of the day: |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2019 13:55:21 GMT
If anyone wants to do the DD/JYC concept but w/a more mixed media approach, highly recommend Mike. He's been a great one to watch (and I don't do much mixed media). I like his delivery, he's so calm and soothing. I sometimes put him on in the background when I'm crafting. joblackford - why is the Jingle Bell run moving? |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Dec 9, 2019 14:06:40 GMT
We had a homemade couscous for Christmas one year. It was great, not only because it was fun and delicious but also because it has to be made in advance and "we" had nothing to cook on Christmas eve and Christmas Day. I loved having my Mom around the table almost-all-night. Couscous, France's favourite dish.  I think I've managed to talk my stepdad into it but there's still a solid 70% chance he'll have forgotten about agreeing to do it bourguignon style come the 24th... I’m working on my DD today... from 2017! I am determined to get this album done! I’m 90% there and have had the album, unfinished, on my desk for two years! WOOHOO! You've got this, craftymom101! Kudos to you for soldiering on and not giving up. Yesterday we decorated cookies, and today put up the tree. It's been a very merry weekend. *starts humming* It's beginning to look (and smell) a lot like Christmas...  This weekend was our real Christmas kick-off weekend. First, the Jingle Bell Run (walk, for the Arthritis Foundation) with crazy costumes, and then the Seattle Men's Chorus (LGBTQIA+ non profit) Christmas concert. So many fun things, joblackford! You must feel all Christmassy and merry.  I'm also deciding whether to buy a special shallow tart pan to bake fruit mince pies in. I should just use the muffin pan I have, right? Save $20? I'm no pastry expert, not a baker at all, and although I'm a bit concerned about the dreaded soggy bottoms, I'm not sure I care $20 much... ? Not much of a mince pie expert (or lover, don't @ me!) but I'd definitely try the muffin pan first. As long as you're ok with not having the straightest of edges, it should work. I'm surprised a tartlet pan costs US$20 though. Have you looked into platinum silicone moulds? Tonight was the Cantata, put on by a number of local churches. I managed to get quite a few photos of the choir, including a few cute kids in it, plus a neighbour lady in her Ukrainian traditional blouse which she wore to sing some of their traditional songs. As we were leaving, I spotted a log building near the church and it was strung with Christmas lights, so I managed to grab a photo of that, too. Sounds like you had some beautiful photo opportunities during these festivities, grammadee. The traditional Ukrainian blouse will be such a pretty photo to add to your December memories. I hope the weather isn't being too harsh up there.  |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Dec 9, 2019 14:40:34 GMT
My SO is coming back tomorrow after spending some time helping out with his family. Things are finally returning to a slightly more normal state after a messy start to the month for us. Besides prepping for actual Christmas, I've not done anything festive since late November, it seems. I'm feeling a bit off but hoping that things fall back into place as the stress of that sh*tty news and situation starts dropping. Here's to enjoying life a little! I've done a few oopsies this weekend: I opened a parcel from Sephora that was delivered to our home when it turns out it wasn't the Cyber Monday sale order I'd placed but the one my SO placed while away with his family so I found out what he secretly got me for Christmas. We aren't telling him, ok, ladies? We're just gonna pretend all is fine. I glued back the parcel and covered it with extra tape. He'll never know. It's not like he orders from Sephora on the regular. Then, I ruined my Advent calendar by knocking a steaming hot mug of tea over it. *sighs in French* And I also broke the glass on a couple of photo frames after I climbed on the furniture to dust.  Can't wait for our festive season to finally kick off this week, I tell you... Since we'd talked about homemade Advent calendars and dogs in here, I thought some of you might enjoy Jenna Marbles and her boyfriend making a couple for their good boys and girls: |
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Post by grammadee on Dec 9, 2019 14:58:02 GMT
(((HUGS)))) sleepingbooty. Here is hoping you can get started on "the most wonderful time of the year" in earnest, and hoping that taking part in some festive activities will revive your holiday spirit. Do you have plans to visit Disney Paris in the next few weeks? |
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Post by janamke on Dec 9, 2019 15:25:16 GMT
I'm caught up on my journaling and have solid ideas sketched out for the first 7 days of December. I'm happy with that. Spent the weekend shopping, buying our tree and setting it up. Husband put lights on (haven't done ornaments yet). My oldest is swamped with homework, projects, and finals the next two weeks, I'm starting to think she isn't going to participate in much of our Christmas plans. Makes me a bit sad, but it is what it is. I also inadvertently, spoiled Santa for my youngest daughter.  Now she is 12, nearly 13. Her siblings all stopped believing around age 10. She even caught us putting Santa gifts under the tree one year. She's just the kind of kid who clings to traditions fiercely. I feel terrible about it, but she has enjoyed "being in the know" and asking questions about how we handled Santa over the years. |
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Post by Linda on Dec 9, 2019 16:13:16 GMT
I'm also deciding whether to buy a special shallow tart pan to bake fruit mince pies in. I should just use the muffin pan I have, right? Save $20? I'm no pastry expert, not a baker at all, and although I'm a bit concerned about the dreaded soggy bottoms, I'm not sure I care $20 much... ? I could also just eat the fruit mince straight out of the bowl... I've always used the special pans - my mum had them when I was a child and she bought me a set for St Nicholas Day once I moved out. You can also make a regular pie - mum made hers with a criss cross (lattice) top - I always make the individual ones though. And yes, a spoon works well also, lol |
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Post by elegantsufficiency on Dec 9, 2019 16:37:41 GMT
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Post by mom on Dec 9, 2019 18:27:47 GMT
So I am the only one that has never had a minced meat pie? Just me? Ok..I will sit over here in my sheltered corner and let the grown ups talk! LOL |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Dec 9, 2019 18:33:53 GMT
So I am the only one that has never had a minced meat pie? Just me? Ok..I will sit over here in my sheltered corner and let the grown ups talk! LOL I have never had it either so I’ll sit with you |
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Post by mom on Dec 9, 2019 18:49:10 GMT
So I am the only one that has never had a minced meat pie? Just me? Ok..I will sit over here in my sheltered corner and let the grown ups talk! LOL I have never had it either so I’ll sit with you Oh thank God! I just knew I was all alone in this. I even texted DH and asked if he ever had it (he did!). |
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Post by huskermom98 on Dec 9, 2019 19:14:27 GMT
So I am the only one that has never had a minced meat pie? Just me? Ok..I will sit over here in my sheltered corner and let the grown ups talk! LOL I have never had it either so I’ll sit with you Make room for me too! |
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pancakes
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,002
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Post by pancakes on Dec 9, 2019 19:16:06 GMT
I'm also deciding whether to buy a special shallow tart pan to bake fruit mince pies in. I should just use the muffin pan I have, right? Save $20? I'm no pastry expert, not a baker at all, and although I'm a bit concerned about the dreaded soggy bottoms, I'm not sure I care $20 much... ? I could also just eat the fruit mince straight out of the bowl... what would the DD peas do? Could you parbake the bottom crust just a tad, THEN fill them, then add the top (if they have a pastry top)? |
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pancakes
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,002
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Post by pancakes on Dec 9, 2019 19:18:29 GMT
So I am the only one that has never had a minced meat pie? Just me? Ok..I will sit over here in my sheltered corner and let the grown ups talk! LOL I would guess that most Americans haven't? I have only had one, I believe... |
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I love them. But have you read the calories on a jar of mince 
I think I've managed to talk my stepdad into it but there's still a solid 70% chance he'll have forgotten about agreeing to do it bourguignon style come the 24th... 
Now she is 12, nearly 13. Her siblings all stopped believing around age 10. She even caught us putting Santa gifts under the tree one year. She's just the kind of kid who clings to traditions fiercely. I feel terrible about it, but she has enjoyed "being in the know" and asking questions about how we handled Santa over the years. 
