Tuesday, February 19, 2019

A Few Recent and Ongoing Projects


Hello!

Winter can seem like forever here in NJ. We've been blessed with a few days of temperatures in the high 50s. On those "warm" days we turn off the heat, open the doors and windows, and let the fresh air in the house. I go for long walks in the fresh air on those wonderful days too. Then there are the days like today. When it is 20 degrees with real feel temperatures in the single digits. Brrr! The too-cold-to-leave-the-house-days are wonderful for some just-for-fun projects. 




Back in January, after the Christmas decorations were put away, I decided to decorate for winter. I visited Pinterest for some ideas, and then I created the above. I walked around the house looking for silver objects. I found the silver tray, silver glitter, silver Christmas balls, silver bells, and the silver ribbon. In the jar they all went. I also had a package of snow. So, I sprinkled a bit of that into the jar and also put it on the tray. I was very happy with it. What do you think? Would you add anything? I think it would make a pretty centerpiece for a silver anniversary party too. 


I also put this together for our kitchen table. When creating the centerpiece I started with a silver tray. You can't see it because it is under the white wreath. I used it to add a little height. Next came the white wreath. I set a cake stand into the center of the wreath. On top of the cake stand is tinsel, blue bottle brush trees, and a candle. I used a battery operated tea light. It looks so pretty at night, and I can leave the glass dome on. I added the two snowflake battery operated candles. They were a bit too short so I popped them into matching glass vases and the height issue was solved. It all looked so pretty when it was lit up at night.





I have wanted to make homemade marshmallows for years. I finally made them!  I found my recipe here: https://thedomesticrebel.com/2018/12/04/homemade-vanilla-bean-marshmallows/. They are absolutely delicious! Especially in a cup of hot chocolate! Yum! 



I packaged them up and gave them as Valentine gifts. They were a hit! They are easy to make, but you do need a candy thermometer, and it will be easier if you have a stand mixer.  



There are a few more things going on right now.





My daughter - Baby D is having a baby in June. For those of you who don't know, my children are quadruplets. When multiples are born the hospital labels them Baby A, B, C, D, etc. Baby D is expecting a boy! The baby shower is in April. So much to do to get ready for the shower and the baby! 


My son - Baby B is getting married in November. The bridal shower is in September. Lots of planning and shopping to be done. 




 ONE MORE THING! 






WE ARE RENOVATING THE LIVING ROOM! 
More about that another day.


Have a wonderful winter's day!
Terry ❄