christmas around the vG Huis

Good Grief Linus!  My indoor camera skills are definately lacking!  Alas my Christmas home tour is a little on the sad side, hmmm and fairly late as well.  Nonetheless, I wish you a very Merry Christmas from Our House to Yours.

On Christmas Eve, these minature stockings are home to the kids' letters to Santa.

photo: vG House Winter 2009

HELP!!  I've got a favour to ask....this spring we are replacing the woodwork on the front of the house.  I'm thinking about changing from the terra cotta colour....any suggestions???  and garage, front door and pillar colours too?!!  I know it's early to think about this...but I flip flop sooo much with colour choices, I need ample time to really make a decision I won't regret and I would really appreciate your thoughts.

I've added this post to the Nester's Christmas Tour of Homes.

Keep Warm &Cozy over the Holidays

Enjoy your families... squeeze 'em, kiss 'em and luv 'em up!

thimble cookies + candy cane martinis = mmmmmm

The most magical day of the year is fast approaching.  I've been busy taste testing many yummy mommy drinks...that was meant to read yummy drinks that are mommy drinks...but yummy mommy works for me too ; )  and while I'm boozing it up...I'm sneaking in a HO lotta cookie tasting too.  Today I'm sharing my favourite family Christmas tradition Thimble cookie recipe, as well as a newly adopted martini recipe...Candy Cane!  YUM!

This recipe is foolproof and seriously couldn't be any easier to make.  My kids aged 4, 7 and 8 actually baked the ones in the above photo.

Thimble Cookie Recipe
1 cup butter (room temp)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 egg yolks
2 cups flour
strawberry jam {my husband, Martin Stewart, makes our homemade strawberry jam}
{for those of you who don't like jam, substitute chocolate chips, hershey's kiss, or m&m's}


Cream first 3 ingredients.  Using a mixer, gradually mix in flour, this will give you a crumbly dough. Then by hand, knead dough until a playdough consistency.  Roll into small balls {about half the size of a regular cookie ball}.  Press centre with thumb and spoon in homemade strawberry jam.


Bake at 350 for about 10-15 min depending on your oven and the size of your cookie.

Candy Cane Martini

I found this recipe {of course I can't remember where from} while in search for a new drinky poo for my cougars girlfriends at my recently passed annual Girls Christmas Party.  I'm pretty sure it was a yummy success!

Candy Cane Martini Recipe

1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liquer
3/4 ounce Vodka
1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps

What to do with left over party alcohol...

Why put it in your coffee of course!  I was actually trying to remake a version of Starbucks Christmas coffee and it was perfect.

Coffee as per usual fixings {I'm a double double kinda gal}
1 ounce of peppermint schnapps
top with real whipped cream, chocolate shavings optional
garnish with candy cane

I'm telling you this is definately good to the last drop! Yum Yum and Yum!

Merry Christmas to All

Christmas in the bedroom

 In no way, shape or form have I started to decorate for Christmas yet...uhhh I still have pumpkins in my header.  Yes, I love the Christmas season as much as the next guy, but my treasured holiday cheer doesn't come out until December 1st. 

When I was PB browsing today, I took special notice to these bedrooms. I've never decorated my bedroom for Christmas before...but doesn't the plaid duvet just give you the warm fuzzies?  I think I may have to reconsider Christmas in the bedroom (subtle of course...don't want no ceramic Santa's staring me down or anything.)

Peaceful in Plaid

 Holly Jolly

I love the Noel lettering in the picture above...or try making your own signs this year ~ using some festive wording such as:

Noel   Merry   Give   Gift   Joy   Peace   Spirit    Saint Nicolas   Jolly   Cheer   Mistletoe  Yuletide    St. Nick

or use them all to make a Festive Subway Art Piece!

 How sweet are the kids rooms all decked out! Show me some framed mitten love.

One month left, 51 sleeps to Go