New Treasury Featuring Yours Truly!

I had thought to have my last post be the post that stayed up over Christmas, but then I got a lovely notice saying that I had been featured in a treasury with other fine Etsy artists in this beautiful, holiday inspired treasury, featuring some beautiful items.

I thought I'd share, in the spirit of Christmas :)

"Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand." - How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966

Merry Christmas: A Bit of A Break...

Arwen and I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, whether it is Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or others.

I've been having some health issues, and combined with the Christmas rush, it has made me rather negligent with my blogs. Arwen and I are going to take a little break and when we come back, we'll have many new posts and (hopefully) interesting stories for you.

So be happy, stay safe and healthy, and we'll see you very soon!
and Arwen

Soulful Sunday: Getting into the Holiday Spirit...

From http://icanhascheezburger.com/
I thought it might get you into the spirit.... :-)

Sweet Saturday: What a Great Week!

WHEW! What a week! I'm sorry I've been very absent this week, but it has been crazy busy...in a VERY good way! First I had a wonderful visit with a goldsmith friend and her mom on Monday where we talked jewelry and ate fresh baked goodies from my oven (vanilla cupcakes with chocolate fudge frosting). She lent me a bunch of books to read (see above).
Then Tuesday I had my last gluten free cooking class of the year - a GIANT gluten free baking exchange with over 15 people and 15 different recipes. It was a HUGE success and an absolute ton of fun!
Wednesday was recovery, but I baked some gluten free and dairy free sugar cookies, and Thursday I baked some gluten free gingersnaps and put up the tree. I am trying to get my baking done by the end of the weekend so that I can give my baking gift baskets out early this year.
Yesterday I had my good friend Louise from Fireseed over. We ate fresh baked shortbread and exchanged some goodies: I finally got to buy her little Viking Monkee, Thor (isn't he DARLING??), and then she gave me these beautiful blue beads to play with! Louise is currently making reproductions of ancient beads and is doing a tremendous job of it! These were inspired by a necklace from the 2nd cen. BC to the 4th cen AD. Isn't that cool? I have MANY ideas for these beads!
Last night I started on a new project - Viking Knit! This is done with VERY fine wire and is actually WAY easier than I had been led to believe. I am going to make this for my little Thor to rest on. If I am fortunate enough, I'll make a necklace of this to rest him on. Stay tuned and I'll keep you updated (promise!).

That's all for now, I did put up my tree, and I'll post that later on.
Have a great weekend!

Arwednesdays with Arwen the Wonder Dog: Daddy's Girl

...Hey, who are you calling a Daddy's Girl? I don't care if he is in his boxers, trying to relax, he is going to pay attention to ME, not mommy...I'm worth it, don't you think? I mean, look at my belly, it is so cute and just calling out for a belly rub. If mommy is too busy to scratch my belly while she is doing her holiday baking, then daddy will just have to take over. I still don't understand why mommy won't pet me during her baking...I think people would be honored to have my furs in their cookies, butnoooo, she won't do it. Fine! Daddy will take over and get the honor of paying lots and lots of attention to me.
Now, I'm sorry to cut this short, but all this attention is making me tired, I need to nap now.
Rah rooh! have a grrrreat day everyone! Mommy says we are going to put up the Christmas tree tonight so she is going to try and get photos of that to show you :)
and Arwen

Fabulous Friday: Special Deals for This Weekend Only!

This Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, join me in my Etsy store for great deals on your holiday shopping:

Buy 2 items - get 20% off
buy 3 items - get 30% off
buy 4 items - get 40% off

The more you buy, the more you save! As always, all purchases are gift wrapped and come with a free blank gift card. Purchases over $10 get a FREE surprise gift!
Hope to see you soon!

Tuesday's Treasures: Getting in the Baking Mode

So I had wanted to take a photo to show you all how they turned out, but apparently I have gremlins in the house! With the holidays fast approaching, one of my favorite things to do, and gifts to give, is baking. These are simple, delicious and so pretty that I had to share with you! Put on some holiday music, grab your bowl and spoon, and get ready for one delicious recipe.

Meg and Mel's Holiday Balls

1 Cup Butter
2 tbsp Agave Nectar
1 tsp Brandy

2-1/4 Cups All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Mix (see the link for the flour recipe)
1/2 Cup Gluten Free Icing Sugar
1/4 tsp Salt

3/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts OR Chocolate Chips OR Dried Cranberries OR a combination of them

Granulated Sugar for Sprinkling (Optional)

Cream the butter and agave nectar. Add in the brandy.
Evenly sprinkle the flour, icing sugar and salt over the top and mix until just combined.
Mix in the walnuts/cranberries/chocolate chips and blend.
Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until cold.
Preheat oven to 350Fahrenheit. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using your fingers, make small, teaspoon-sized balls and roll them in the sugar, if using.
Shake the excess sugar off the cookies and place them about 1-2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 11-13 minutes, until they are golden around the edges.
Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool.
Enjoy!

I would also like to thank everyone for their kind words. Brennan is very proud of himself for keeping the secret for over 6 weeks while it was made, and we are both very happy :)

Have a great day!

Fabulous Friday Features: Aunti Franni!

In this installment of Fabulous Friday Features, I thought I would introduce you to a great artist named Fran. She makes wonderful embroidered items...and before you go thinking of your great-granny's towels, take a look at all of the COOL stuff she has - many are perfect stockingstuffers and very well priced. I know I have quite a few of her items on my gift-giving list! You can find her on Etsy at: SunnyDaysEmbroidery or on ArtFire at:AuntiFranni'sSunnyDaysEmbroidery Or you can go to either site and search under sellers for "AuntiFranni".

~Really, Need I Say More??~

What makes Fran more amazing is that she does all of this work herself (on a machine of course) with a serious lung disease. Talk about a fighter herself!

~The Perfect Stocking Stuffer For Any Water Drinker~

She also does custom orders, all you have to do is ask! She can use different colors of thread, different patterns, different colors of fabric, you name it, she can probably do it!

~Adorable!~

Fran also makes great patches to sew on bags, and incredibly cute candy cane holding ornaments for your tree.

~Great Items for Kids and Kids at Heart~

She is taking orders now, so get yours in before the holiday rush really starts and relax knowing you have unique handmade gifts at affordable prices!