Book Review: Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

Gunn richly paints the story of Miranda Carson's search for a father who doesn't know she exists. Miranda travels to England at Christmas time with only a photo and the name of a photography studio. She meets a cast of characters who help her along the way, one of which follows her into the next novel as a love interest. In both novels, Gunn uses delightful imagery to pain quaint and cheery Christmas scenes and lovable characters. It is easy to see why her books were chosen to become a Hallmark movie. I thought both stories were lovely and I have high hopes for Kissing Father Christmas, although it doesn't star Miranda as the protagonist.

I was glad that Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas were bound in the same volume. It makes a lovely stocking stuffer. Also, I think I would have been disappointed if  I had to purchase the novels separately as I believe they were originally attended. Separately, I feel as they are more like novellas than novels. I think Finding and Engaging work together perfectly as one story.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Merry Christmas!

'Tis the season to be jolly....fa la la la la .

I am especially joyous and jolly this Christmas season as this will be the first Christmas I have spent with my family since 2009. We were in Pennsylvania and Korea the last 5 years so this is a real treat.

It is tradition for my family to go to my Mimi's house (paternal grandmother) on Christmas Eve. We have a nice dinner (with dessert! usually a fourteen layer chocolate frosted cake, yummo!), exchange gifts and then afterwards we go out into the field and shoot fireworks. I am very excited to participate this year.

We've been enjoying the past few months with our family and friends but it's almost time to get back to the daily grind. My husband has found a job and we are relocating to my hometown.

I had a job interview today for a position I'd really like to have so I am hoping to hear back about that in the new year.

I'd like to wish you all a very merry and bright Christmas filled with lots of joy and cheer. I'm signing off until after Christmas.  Then I hope to share my 2016 word, my 2016 book list, a few book reviews and new recipes. In closing, I'd like to leave you with my Christmas poem that I am re-posting from years past:

‘Twas the Night Of Christmas

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

‘Twas the night of Christmas and all through the house,

 all the creatures were reverent, even the mouse.

 The baby was swaddled and tucked in with care,

 and the angels rejoiced that the Christ-child was now there.

A long journey it had been,

from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

On the back of a little old donkey, slowly rode Mary.

Though a virgin, the Son of Man, she did carry.

She was soon due,

but the rooms available were few.

The only refuge to be found was with the animals and hay.

The sign of a star, hung high in the sky, gave the objects below the luster of midday.

The shepherds traveled far from their beds,

while visions of angels and a Savior, danced in their heads.

The wise men also journeyed from afar,

sent out by King Herod, they followed the star.

Out on the street, there arose such a clatter,

Joseph sprang from his watch to see what was the matter.

The shepherds and Magi arrived to worship the newborn King.

Gifts of myrrh, frankincense, and gold they did bring. 

They played their harps and sang   

praises that proclaimed His mighty name.

Then the shepherds set out again,

to spread the good news to other men.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

PS: If you're feeling especially cheery try making these festive cupcakes.

PPS: If you are stuck for last minute gift ideas look here. 

Top Gift Picks (That Won't Break the Bank)

It seems that everybody whose somebody these days is putting out a gift guide. So here's my list of gifts I think you'd enjoy giving and receiving this holiday season.

For the Booklover:

This handmade bookmark makes a sweet stocking stuffer:



Frostbeard, an etsy shop, sells candles scented in a variety of book related scents. I'm pining after "The Shire" and "Sassenach", from two of my favorite book series.  They also sell scents like bookstore and trashy romance.



I'm also excited to try Paddywax's collection of literary candles. They created scents based around authors. I'm especially interested in the Mark Twain candle.





For the Cupcake Lover:

These vintage inspired cupcake earrings were my one of my birthday gifts this year. I can't wait for them to come! I'd been admiring them for some time. There are matching rings and necklaces available as well!



I've also been craving this cute cupcake pan necklace:





For the Foodie:

I follow Lisa Leake's website, 100 Days of Real Food , and I can't wait to get my hands on her cookbook.





This is a great gift for the cook who likes to party! Great for serving foods that need to be shelled or pitted before eaten. They can also be used separately.




I love this brownie brittle. The chocolate chip is my favorite but they make a few other flavors.


For the Fashionista :

These pink and white earrings are currently on sale and come with free worldwide shipping for the season!



What better way to stay warm and stylish this winter than with these super soft boot cuffs or lacy infinity scarf in your choice of color?







This simple gold leaves necklace would make a stunning gift without breaking the bank!





For Your Man:

I think my husband would like these next two items for his mancave.

Who doesn't love bacon?


Or beer?


If your man likes to smell good I'd try this apple jack scented bar soap. for a stocking stuffer. This shop has a variety of scents so click around!




What's on your wish list this year? What gifts do you love to give?


*All recommendations are my 100% honest opinion. I am not compensated for any of the etsy links. If you click through and purchase from an Amazon link then I may receive a small commission.

**Inspired by Mama Kat

If I Only Had an Oven...

We watched The Wizard of Oz on Christmas Eve and the song "If I Only Had  a Brain" got me to thinking about what I would have baked had I an oven this Christmas season.

So I thought I'd take a moment to round up some drool worthy recipes I saw on the web this year.

I would have made these cuties from Not Martha for My Dec 1st Christmas party:


The weeks before Christmas I would bake up a storm making Hot Chocolate Sandwich Cookies from I heart eating



Along with these turtle thumbprints from Handle the Heat


And these chocolate peppermint babies from Bakerella


These coconut macaroon cupcakes for work:


I would have made these Strawberry and Chocolate French Toast Rollups for breakfast Christmas Morning:



Cheddar Bacon Beer Bread from Texanerin to go with dinner:



What was your favorite holiday treat this season?

Its' begining to look a lot like Christmas...in my kitchen!

I love baking.
And Christmas baking is the best. Because it allows me to use my passion to celebtate the birth of our Savior.

I've made Paula Dean's Ooey Gooey Buter Cookies for the cookie exchange at work and got some tasty goodies in return, including mini-gobs and caramel apple oatmeal cookies the size of my FACE.

Saturday night I made these super-cute reindeer cupcakes with red hots and pretzels:

 

And now I'm off to make a confetti cake!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....at work!

I work at a fabulous place owned by a really great Christian man. We had a door decorating contest between the four departments. My department went with a gingerbread house....and we tied for first place. Check it out

 

This is our gingerbread house! Its decorated with real candy and snacks.

 

Inside we set a Christmas scene, complete with a fire with real wood!

If you peek in the window you will see our family portrait that hangs above the fireplace.

'Twas The Night of Christmas

Last night was my girls' night in "Favorite Things" Christmas Party. We hada great time and I'll share more details about the party in my next post. But for now I want to share a little poem that I wrote to include in the favor bag.

‘Twas the Night Of Christmas

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

‘Twas the night of Christmas and all through the house,

 all the creatures were reverent, even the mouse.
 The baby was swaddled and tucked in with care,
 and the angels rejoiced that the Christ-child was now there.

A long journey it had been,

from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
On the back of a little old donkey, slowly rode Mary.
Though a virgin, the Son of Man, she did carry.

She was soon due,

but the rooms available were few.

The only refuge to be found was with the animals and hay.

The sign of a star, hung high in the sky, gave the objects below the luster of midday.

The shepherds traveled far from their beds,
while visions of angels and a Savior, danced in their heads.

The wise men also journeyed from afar,

sent out by King Herod, they followed the star.

Out on the street, there arose such a clatter,

Joseph sprang from his watch to see what was the matter.
The shepherds and Magi arrived to worship the newborn King.
Gifts of myrrh, frankincense, and gold, they did bring.

 

They played their harps and sang   
praises that proclaimed His mighty name.
Then the shepherds set out again,
to spread the good news to other men.

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Pretty Pots

My mother is an avid gardner so for Christmas I thought it would be nice to make her some pretty pots. I found inspiration on Pinterest. I got the idea HERE, and the below picture is  one of her examples.

I bought pots in three different sizes and sprayed them inside and out with clear acrylic sealer so that the pots can be used outdoors. I started with the smallest post and used outdoor modpode to glue the fabric on. I then pleated the fabic at the tops and bottoms of the pots so that it would lay flat. I mopodged the completed pots to make the fabric hard and water resistant. I also made sure that the pots' drainage holes remained uncovered.  I think they turned out cute!

 

The smallest pot was the hardest for me because there was so  much  extra fabric and it was causing what was glued down to wrinke. The second one I sat in my lap and rolled the fabric aorund it on a diagonal. I ran out of fabric 2about 3 centimeters early so I just cut a strip out of th extra fabric and overlapped it. For the third pot, I tried sittong it on the table. I modpodged a section and then wrapped the fabric, and went around section by section. This seemed to work the best. at the end I cut off  the surplus fabric at the top and then what was left around the inside of the pot. By the time I'd done the third pot I'd really gotten the hand of it and wished I had more pots to do!

Its Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Last week we put up a tree and decorated the house. Our tree looks so much better than it did last year. The only thing its missing is some tinsel. But buying some has proved elusive! I think if I drove out to Target I would have better luck but thats almost an hour away!

Tree!

Here's the postcard wreath I made!

Our stockings!

Snowmen given to us by a dear friend

Goals Are Always Nice

So lately I have been in a super crafty mood. I've yet to actually craft anything but I have been digging around for inspiration and making plans.

Here are my goals:

1. Make a Saint's football wreath (started today! my husband keeps asking me what I'm doing and I won't tell him!)
2. Make a Christmas wreath.
3. Make a shell wreath.
4. Make back to school packages (supplies bought!)
5. Make homemade vanilla
6. Make poinsetta pillow covers
7. Make 25 more Christmas cards.
8. Make gifts off of Pinterest.
9. Make vintage post card wreath for kitchen (just need postcards....(
10. Make man's shirt totebag

What are your craft goals? Have you started your holiday crafting yet?

Improv Broccoli Casserole

The most loved dish a our Christmas lunch was broccoli casserole. I was delighted for several reasons. First, my mashed potatoes were a bit on the watery side so the broccoli was a chance to redeem myself. Second, the recipe was a bit of an experiment because I usually make it with cream of mushrooms and chopped up mushrooms but unfortunately I married a mushroom hater so I was forced to improvise. Here's what I came up with:

Boil and drain 2lbs frozen broccoli. Mix broccoli with about 8 ozs of chopped onions, 8oz grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1 can cream of broccoli, 1  can cream of onion and 1/4 cup of  butter/margarine. Spoon into a greased pan.

In a seperate bowl crush 36 Ritz like crackers and combine with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle on top and bake for 20 minutes at 350F.

I'd show a picture but it dissapeared too quickly!!

My First Ever Peanut Butter Pie!

Mike's family is coming over for lunch today and knowing that Mike's dad loves PB pie, I decided to look up a recipe and make one.

Here is what happened:

I made a graham cracker crust with crushed graham crackers and melted butter.

Then I whipped up the good stuff.

Ingredients:

8 oz softened cream chz
1/2 c creamy pb
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
8 oz whipped cream
pb cups

Mix the cream chz, confectioners sugar and pb until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.  Spoon over crust and let chill overnight. Decorate with pb cups.

(If my phone would let me upload pics I would have a pretty picture to share.)

Its That Fabulous Time of Year

The time for baking of sweets, purchasing and wrapping of gifts and the sending of Christmas cards. I tend to send a few cards every year. I even bought a pack while I was in Scotland to send to my new friends in Glasgow and my old friends back home. This year I've attempted to make all of my Christmas cards but between school and wedding planning I've only managed to make four cards which isn't quite enough. So, I was happy to discover all of the beautiful Christmas cards at Shutterfly.  If I were more organized I probably would have sent a few adorable Thanksgiving cards (those were on my list to make too, but well, you know how it goes)

I've never ordered from Shutterfly before but I'm very tempted after browsing through all of their cards. Here are a few of my favorites:

I would love to put a photo of our first kiss as a married couple in the frame.

Being the lover of all things Scottish and tartan, I think this is my top pick for a current card.

I like this one- maybe  to send as a new year's card for next year  to recap the first year of our married life!

Shutterfly also has some cute gift tags you might want to look into. This one is my favorite:

Happy Holidays!!1

Note: I received a promo code for 50 cards in return for a post on my favorites! Check it out: http://bit.ly/sfly2010



My ATM Favorite Smells Like Chocolate!

For Christmas my mother got me this delisciously yummy set of HOT COCOA scented lotion and body wash. It smells so good. Really, I've been tempted to lick my hands! She asked me if I wanted the small bottlw or the large and since I wasn't sure I'd like smelling like chocolate I opted for the smaller bottles and they came in a cute snowflake mug. Here'a pic of the lotion (it came from Kohls if you want to try it out):

Yay for Christmas Gifts!

I've recived some really great Christmas gifts this year. Here are a few of my favorites:

Its Christmas Time!

I spent the day in NC yesterday at my mom's parents. M grandad just had knee replacement surgery, there were 2 extra kids as my uncle recently gained two stepkids and my grandmother got me the same jacket she got me last year.

I did get to talk to my fiance today though. Its Christmas day in South Korea- very early Christmas day. I feel bad that he is spending it alone. This is the third Christmas since we've known each other that we haven't been together. That means we haven't spent a Christmas together yet. Back in the spring we made a bet as to whether we'd be together now. I bet we would, he bet not. He won. 

I'll update you on the Christmas goodies tomorrow. I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!

I Love Cupcakes!

I love love love cupcakes. So these ornaments would be perfect for me: http://www.bakeitpretty.com/blog/?p=511