Merry Christmas!

Husband didn't like the pic that we took (a selfie) of each other so I won't be posting that one!

The pic on the top is part of my "stocking" from husband and kids. They give me a gift basket type thing (not really a stocking at all) and have it all displayed beautifully. I was thankful that dear daughter took a few pics for me before things got moved. :)

3 days until Christmas!

Pipe Cleaner snow flakes

To learn how to make, click HERE.

Pretty Trees...

...at Pretty Ditty. Check out the link HERE.

Felt Wreath

Thought that this was stunning! Take a peak at how to create this beauty at Domestifluff.

Coaster Tutorial 

I found a new (to me) wonderful Blog! *thank you Amanda for sending me the link* Check out this great gift idea:

LINK!!

Christmas Budget?

It has been interesting to read on different Blogs thoughts and opinions on Christmas Gift budgets and things along that line.

Sheila at "To Love, a Honor and Vacuum" suggested doing (and I quote her): "the Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh ritual, where they each get three gifts, and nothing more. The gold gift is something they want. The frankincense gift is something they need, like socks. And the myrrh gift is something to nurture their souls. It could be a journal, or a book, or a CD, or a movie. It’s something that reminds them of their purpose here on earth, or encourages them to think, to write, and to pray about what’s important. It’s always the biggest challenge to find such a thing, but it’s a challenge I’m up for, since it reminds us of the reason for the season. And I’m pretty sure, despite what the flyers might say, that reason should not be greed. Pass it on."

What do you think? I thought this was an excellent idea. I had all ready got all the kid's their gifts at the time that I came across this but I applied it to the gifts that I bought my husband ($30-$50 limit). I think that he is also doing the same for me. I am excited to see what he comes up with as he is always very creative in his gift giving. I am considering doing this 3 gift things, for the kid's, next year. When I mentioned it to our daughter and she wasn't at all keen, thinking she would miss out, but our son thought it was cool. So we shall see. I like the idea of fighting against greed...and not going all crazy with so many gifts.

Our family decided on what i consider to be a very modest $100 budget for each child. Then an additional $30 each for stocking stuffers. This is a challenging budget to keep with kid's that are getting older (ie. asking for more expensive items) but I have been blessed to find great deals (ie. a bag at old Navy for our daughter that was .97 cents!!!) and I have not gone over on our agreed budget. They will have about 7-8 gifts, each to open under the tree.

So, that is what we are doing this year. What about you?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Fabric Wreath Tutorial 

...found this at ps.i quilt

News from the home front. I have this yucky chest cold so while the rest of my family is attending Church, I am here at home in my pj's on my second cup of coffee. I will be resting and then making Hamburger Soup for all of us to eat for lunch. Mmmmm...it is sooooooo good. I will Blog the recipe later this week.

One more Craft. Beautiful light...found at Ruffles and Stuff.

Retro Trees

Check out Felt-o-rama's felt trees (link: here)! 

News from home: I dropped off my 1st resume today. After being a full time housewife and mommy for 14 years, I have decided that it's time for me to get a job (that comes with a financial paycheck)! We are all trying to preparing ourselves for the changes that will come...

Reindeer Decoration

Lovely pictures and detailed directions on how to make paperless origami HERE at craftstylish.com

Thrifted Trees

Have any sweaters that are laying around and feel like recycling? Make these Christmas Tree Ornaments from The Long Threads. Directions here.

News from our house this week is that I am working on updating my resume and in the light of our house taxes going up considerably, I am yet again considering returning to the work world again. Bah hum bug!

Nanaimo Bars

One of Canada's favorite confections and our daughter's too! I will be making these for Christmas this year.

Nanaimo Bars:

Butter (or use a cooking spray) a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan.

Bottom Layer:

1/2 cup (1 stick) (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

1/3 cup (30 grams) unsweetened cocoa

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups (200 grams) graham cracker crumbs

1 cup (65 grams) coconut (either sweetened or unsweetened)

1/2 cup (50 grams) walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped

FILLING:

1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 - 3 tablespoons milk or cream

2 tablespoons vanilla custard powder (Bird's) or vanilla pudding powder

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups (230 grams) powdered sugar (confectioners or icing) sugar

TOPPING:

4 ounces (115 grams) semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

BOTTOM LAYER: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder and then gradually whisk in the beaten egg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (1 - 2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, coconut, and chopped nuts. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm (about an hour).

FILLING: In your electric mixer cream the butter. Beat in the remaining ingredients. If the mixture is too thick to spread, add a little more milk. Spread the filling over the bottom layer, cover, and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes).

TOP LAYER: In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter. Spread over the filling and refrigerate.

TO SERVE: To prevent the chocolate from cracking, using a sharp knife, bring the squares to room temperature before cutting.

Yield: Makes about 25 squares

Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com/NanaimoBars.html#ixzz0WNA7A71p

free holiday mitten ornament pattern

Oliver + S has the cutest little mitten ornament with a pfd directions that you can download for free. 

Today's to do list:

• dust
• vacuum
• clean kitchen
• laundry
• bake some things for lunch snacks 
• tidy up yard and garden
• hang Christmas lights on a tree outside our living room window
• write up a "guest post" for Hubby's work Blog (I think I'm going to be famous!) lol
• take some things to the garage (we don't have a basement...so...)
• finish trimming dog's fur 
• set out recycling
• get garbage organized for garbage day tomorrow
• return a sears order. (A 30 inch waist is just too big for our very tall and very slim teenager. He really needs a 28 inch waste and that is very difficult to get with a 34 leg!!!!)
• Blog

As you can tell there are many things to do today so I am going to do a cheat post today and link you to all the Christmas Craft and ideas that I have posted about on my Blog in previous years. 

Delicate snow flake, Button Christmas tree, gumdrop wreath,  and soft trees!

Hmmm...I am not sure if I can accomplish all that is on my list today, but I shall try...

I Love Paper Crafts

So many gorgeous papers are available now from many sources (dollar stores to Michaels). I found this pretty heart craft at Reese Dixon's Blog. Go to her site for more pictures and the directions on how to make these lovely crafts for decorating your home or your Christmas Tree. 

Doodle and a Hot Drink

So, a blogger friend of mine (Redeemed Diva) left a comment on my last post. She was wondering what was up with the name of my Bog ~The Happy Doodler~? I guess it is difficult to see the connection to that name and what this Blog is actually all about. Well, the story goes that years ago my husband set me up a Blog. He thought that it would get my creative juices flowing and he knew that I have "journaled" since I was proably 13 years old. Since I am a chronic Doodler, he gave my blog it's name! :) I have been Blogging ever since and yes, I still Doodle too. Diva was wondering, might I post some of my Doodle? Sure! What not?! 

In picture one you see a letter "H". Then some random heart doole with some text. *I feel silly posting this...but oh well...I blame Diva!*

So...now on to my Christmas theme: 

deluxe hot chai mix found HERE at "cakeyvoice"

You will need:

2 cups caster sugar (vanilla sugar is best)
1 cup Typhoo QT instant white tea  (I will be using that instant iced tea that comes in little crystals)
1 cup coffee whitener
1 cup dried skimmed milk powder
1 cup Coffee Mate 'Latte Creations', original or vanilla  (I think I will omit this and just use and extra cup of the skimmed milk powder)
4 teaspoons ground ginger
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon white pepper

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Process the mixture in a blender or food processor, 1 cup at a time, and store in airtight jars.

To serve, put 2 tablespoons in a mug, top up with boiling water and wait a few minutes before drinking to allow the spices to settle at the bottom. 

Ice Wreath

Not cold enough to make this yet...but maybe in a month? Sure is pretty. Check out Resurrection Fern to see all the "how-to's" to make this pretty Ice Wreath. LINK

HAPPY November 1st!!!!

CHRISTMAS is coming!!! I love the month of November for getting ready for Christmas. This month I will try to post many tutorials for Christmas Crafts, gifts, etc.

For those of you from the East Coast you will be familiar with "ribbon candy". My husband (a New Brunswicker), is very fond of this stuff.

I was so pleased to happen upon the directions to make this ribbon candy Christmas Tree Decoration. To see all the detailed directions, click here!

Great Recycling Project

For the directions click here to go to the How About Orange Blog! I will post some of my own pictures when I make some later this week...