Raise A Glass

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Cheers to a 2013 full of fun and adventure, laughter and love, and great moments that seem to last for hours.

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A Dish Best Served... Never.

I married into a wonderful family with a rather horrifying tradition: Lutefisk.

What's that? Well, you can click on the word 'lutefisk' above for the real definition, but I'm pretty partial to Jeffrey Steingarten's synopsis during a 1999 interview:

"Lutefisk is not food, it is a weapon of mass destruction. It is currently the only exception for the man who ate everything. Otherwise, I am fairly liberal: I gladly eat worms and insects, but I draw the line on lutefisk.

What is special with lutefisk?

Lutefisk is the Norwegians' attempt at conquering the world. When they discovered that Viking raids didn't give world supremacy, they invented a meal so terrifying, so cruel, that they could scare people to become one's subordinates."

Nate's family calls it "Christmas Fish"... as if that makes it any cuter. Don't believe it could be so bad? Check out this little Christmas Eve plate action filmed from the plate of yours truly:

Any strange-but-true food traditions in your family? Tell me I'm not alone here!

Merry Belated!

A day late, but warm wishes all the same! Hope everyone had a wonderful, cozy Christmas chock full o' love.

xoxo,

Ashley, Nate, & Tucker

SantaNate

More normal entries will resume soon. 'Til then, enjoy the end of 2012's holiday season!

Quick Craft: Metal Branch

One blank wall + One need to display holiday greetings = One faux-metal branch.

That's the conclusion you came to too? No? Well, you may join the crazy train after seeing how easy and effective this lil' project is.

Here's what you need:

1 branch (I used Curly Willow as the one in our yard needed a trim. Find one in the woods!)

1 can metallic spray paint

Nails/screws

Ribbon

Total Cost: $6-$10

The branch.

Rust-Oleum Metallic Silver

Sprayed, dried (about 36 hours), nailed onto wall.

First draft of ribbon hanging.

Ribbon split up - Holiday greetings taped on!

Works like a charm

Love it.

There's plenty of room for more as greetings roll in, and the current plan is to have this branch be a permanent fixture, displaying photos, notes, and cards year-round. All I have to do is switch out the ribbon!

Quick Craft: 3-D Felt Ornaments

 We'll call this a 'loose tutorial' - If you'd like more specifics, please ask.

As Christmas rapidly approaches, some of us might be struggling with those hard-to-buy-for folks on our lists. Tree ornaments are pretty safe gift, and so easy to personalize if you know a thing or two about your giftee.

Last year I decided ornament sets would be a fun thing to make for my girlfriends, and after scanning the globe internet, I decided to make 3D felt versions of some of their favorite things (cue the Julie Andrews and children in curtains).

What You'll Need:
Paper (any kind - I used plain ol' computer-style)
Stuffing (PolyFill, Buffalo Snow, etc)
Assorted Felt sheets
Scissors
Needle and felt-matching embroidery thread(s)
Ribbon (optional)
Beads (optional)
Glue (hot or fabric - optional)

I decided what theme I was going for for each set, sketched little shapes onto my paper, then cut them out to use as patterns.

Once all my pieces were cut out of the felt, I embellished those that needed it by hand stitching on things like beads (you could do this with glue if you're not so into the sewing thing), and then hand stitched around the outside edges of each ornament, pausing to cram in stuffing before the last few stitches went into place.

I added a ribbon loop at the top of each ornament by folding a piece of ribbon in half and fixing it in place as I stitched the outside edges of the ornaments, but you could easily poke a wire ornament hanger through the thin felt for the same effect.

Here are my results:

Sushi for Em

Twilight for Mel (yes, the E sparkles)

Cake and doggy desserts for Paula

And since those turned out so well, I made one for each of my immediate co-workers as well:

 Clockwise from top L: Headmount, Yarn & Knitting Needles,Whisk, Holiday Tully's Cup, Fish

Hand-stitching is a little time consuming, but the result is worth it, and how fun to contribute something that will be a part of your friends' Christmas year after year.

Random Round Up: December Doin's

In spite of the news of Friday, life went on this weekend. The first Christmas party of the season's been attended, and general holiday goodness prevailed. I'm so thankful!

Puggle Peek-a-boo

Warm Fuzzies

You shop for shorts in December, you get 'em for under a buck.

My FAVORITE blog wrote a book - Been pouring over it & getting inspired!

I won a giveaway on a blog I read! (LuneVintage)

Our neighbors' light-up menagerie.

Helpers

I know it's usually a happy-go-lucky Random Round Up on Monday morning, but in light of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut this past Friday, I wanted to post something I've seen going around Facebook this weekend.

The ever-even Fred Rogers - aka: Mr. Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood - supplied a quote years ago that sadly rings true again today:

This is one of those "I remember where I was when..." moments in our nation's history we will never forget. Light a candle, say a prayer, just take a moment to love on those around you and be thankful that their fragile life is still here with you.