“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Twinkly Lights in Duluth

Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas! Ours was nice and quiet this year. I wanted to share some more Christmas magic with you today.  Last weekend we were able to visit Duluth and check out their amazing Christmas Holiday light display.  Even though I've lived in Minnesota for over 15 years, I'm still learning about this beautiful state and was thrilled to find out about this wonderful Christmas display.  This is a must see!



Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" is America's largest free walk through lighting display, located in Duluth, Minnesota, that runs from November 21 to December 27. Bentleyville is set up in Bayfront Festival Park. Bentleyville has volunteers work year round to set up this beautiful attraction.


Here are a few of the photos I'd like to share.
































The dogs were one of my favorites, the lights flash and it appears their legs are moving... check out the video below and you'll see them!


 



 

The lights reflecting off the snow made this picture turn out so pretty!


 



 




 


 




 



 





 



I even found a great video with narration of how the light display all started.  It's a great video,  ( I'm not related or in any way associated with the guy making the video, just thought it was good).








Hope you enjoyed this little walk through the festive lights!
There was just enough snow on the ground to really bring out that Christmas feel that we are so accustomed to here in the north-land!

See you in the New Year!
~~ Diane ~~



Sunday, December 20, 2015

The Holly Boy Revisited



 

"Making others happy makes us happy." 
~ The Holly Boy

A couple of years ago I wrote about a book from the 1950's I'd found called "The Holly Boy".  I just received an email with more information about the book and updated the original post.

Please visit the post here and read more about the charming "Holly Boy"!


I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
~~ Diane ~~


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Gingerbread Dreams

After all these years, I still love visiting Pinterest to see what kind of outlandishly beautiful things people are posting.  I was pulled in again this past week by some images of incredible Gingerbread House designs.





I think this was all brought on because I have been watching some of the Baking Challenges on TV over the past few weeks.  Anyway, as I started looking at a few of these, I was captured by the pure fantasy and artistry of it all.  I think I would love to just step into one of these magical worlds for a little while.  Hope you enjoy them too!



 pretty little gingerbread cabin, complete with darling red brick chimney and matching red door:


Click on the photos to find the pins or visit my Christmas Pinterest board here.




Snowy Gingerbread House.:






NEW - A Delicious & Sturdy Gluten Free Gingerbread House Recipe - http://glutenfreerecipebox.com/gluten-free-gingerbread-house-recipe/ #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes:







Amazing Traditional Christmas Gingerbread Houses




Tiny Gingerbread House. You could make it with graham crackers



This may be the most adorable gingerbread house I've ever seen!



gingerbread:





Yay, whimsy! And the snow drift by the door is so clever.:






Tikkido - Snowy Gingerbread Cottage:






 A Very Fairy Gingerbread House | Will Cook For Friends




How to Make Royal Icing for Gingerbread Houses {Video}






Swedish Gingerbread House Tutorial {click link for FULL tutorial}  includes templates & recipe! http://thecakebar.tumblr.com/post/69436372954/swedish-gingerbread-house-tutorial-click-link-for #martha #stewart:


If any of you want to give it a try, I've included this pin that includes a tutorial.






For gingerbread house.:



...... And what's a Gingerbread House without some fun little friends!




Very cute idea to do with the kids! (Nice change from decorating a gingerbread house or nice addition to one!) 828885_bear-closeup.jpg (400×450):  



I've made decorated cookies (it's been awhile), but I've never actually made a gingerbread house from scratch.  How about any of you? Every tried your hand at one of these?

~~~~~~~~~~~ Diane ~~~~~~~~~~~




Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Christmas Time is Here!


How is it even possible that Christmas is almost here again? Seems like just a few months ago I took down the tree!  But it's coming 'round again, so ready or not, here it is!




I think the hardest part is getting my mindset working,  but we now have a bit of snow, which helps it seem more like Christmas to me. I put the wreath on the door, but so far that's as far as I've gotten for decorations!  Better get cracking!!

But first, I need to set the mood with some music and maybe some holiday baking! Then I'll be ready to decorate.


 Cranberry Scones Ready for the Oven




 Cream Scones

2 cups flour, plus extra for the counter
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter, cold
1 cup heavy cream



1.    Heat the oven to 375 degrees.  In large bowl mix the dry ingredients together.  Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal with a few slightly larger lumps.  Mix in any extras at this time, (see variations) Stir in the cream until dough forms, about 30 seconds.

2.    Turn the dough and any floury bits out onto a floured board and knead a couple of times to form a ball.  Place the dough on a baking sheet and press the dough down into a slightly flattened dome shape about 8 inches around.  Sprinkle the top with sugar and cinnamon if desired. Cut through the disc into 6 to 8 wedges. Do not move the dough.

3.    Bake for 20-22 minutes until slightly golden around edges.

4.    Variations:  Stir in approximately 1/2 - 3/4 cup of currants, raisins or other dried fruits.  Lemon zest or crystallized ginger are also nice additions.  If using fresh fruit such as cranberries, raspberries or blueberries be careful when mixing to not crush the fruit.




 Here are the finished scones, topped with a drizzle of vanilla icing....









So, I've got to run right now but I'll be back and checking on all of you to see what you've been doing lately!






Have a wonderful week! I'll see you soon!
~~ Diane ~~