Making Cookies

There's something extra special about

having a little someone helping 

to make Christmas cookies this year.

Love those busy little fingers 

putting sprinkles "berry carefully".

Cinnamon Rolls

I'm linking up with

Jiffy Cinnamon Rolls

(recipe from All Recipes.com)

I found this recipe for a non- yeast

cinnamon roll so I could make them GF.
(It's very hard to make anything roll out that
is made with yeast and GF)

They were delicious when they came from

the oven and okay the next morning.

Obviously they are not the same as 

yeast rolls, but worth making if 

you are in a hurry.

Pittock Mansion 2011

I made my annual drive out

to the lovely misty hills of Portland

to the Pittock Mansion

which is yearly decorated for Christimas.

 This year the theme was

"Christmas Around the World"

Each room was set up with typical 

decor and ideas for that country.

I found it to be very interesting how many countries 

do not give gifts until Jan 6, 

which is related to Epiphany,

when the wise men came,

and not for Christmas.

 I think it would be an excellent year to take

children and let them hear and see

how other countries do things 

at this season.

As Americans we often think that

everyone else does things as we do, but if

you think about it we are a very "young"

country and our traditions are 

quite new:)

The Pittock Mansion is still decorated

into the new year so if you have time...

It's worth the drive.

Relaxing before Christmas

My man and I took a little jaunt

up to the Skamania Lodge for a night

(courtesy of my husbands staff).

It's one of those places that feels like it

just belongs to the Season and the 

40 foot real tree they put in the Great Room

is always stunning.

By the time I had a hot stone massage, sat by 

the fire reading my favorite Christmas stories,

(and crying into a kleenex:)

drank hot apple cider, and drowsed 

in a rocking chair while carols played,

I could hardly move I was so relaxed!

Highly recommended for the 

week before Christmas:)

It's My Party!

Finally got the pictures up for 

the Party that happened earlier

this month:)

I have to say that my whole idea

and printables came from

Sweet Scarlet Designs

 This little guy was not in the mood to be a
prince or wear a crown!

It was a super easy way to put together a
party and I highly recommend doing
a downloadable one...

Coffee Toffee

I'm linking up with the

 Coffee Toffee with Chocolate and Pretzels

2 c. sugar

1/2 c. water

1/8 c. corn syrup

8 oz butter

1 c. almond slivers

1 c. chopped pretzels -divided

2  tsp. instant coffee powder

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4-1/2 c. chocolate chips

Grease a 9x13 pan.

Combine sugar, water and corS syrup 

in sauce pan and boil 

until temp reaches 280*. Stir in butter. 

Cook until temp reaches 315*, 

stir in almonds and half of pretzels.

Cook back up to 315*

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and 

coffee. Pour into pan.

Let cool for 10 minutes,

sprinkle choc chips on top and when melted, spread over top.

Add remaining pretzels and push down

gently into chocolate.

Cool completely and break into pieces. 

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

This is very crunchy and tasty!

If you don't like coffee flavor 

you could just leave the coffee

powder out and it would still be delish!

I used GF pretzels and it turned out great.

Holiday House Walk

I'm linking up with the Holiday House Walk 

over at Jennifer Rizzo

Come on in the coffee's hot!

Front Porch
Keepin' it Simple...

Entry Way

Den

Great Room
(the tags hanging on the mantel are from
Miss Cutie Pie)

Master

Dining Room

Thanks for stopping by to visit!
Come again soon...