Author Archives: ~~Rhonda

Living in a small town, I share my life with my husband Russell (married in 1977), five children (one still at home), and six cats (one indoors, the others outside).

I teach an online class called “The Christmas Notebook” which is about all things holiday prep. The many facets of celebrating Christmas comprises one of my favorite hobbies. Other favorite things include gardening, reading, cooking, and scrapbooking.

Christmas…come and gone

Christmas morning is done, the Story read, the presents opened, the gift wrap scattered across the floor, the family happy and satisfied…and I…I’m a little sad. Happens every year, sometime after the morning’s festivities. Everyone is enjoying their gifts, watching new DVDs, playing new games, working a puzzle, or eating another treat. But, basically, it’s […]

gift bags

I like to reuse Christmas cards for lots of things. They make great gift tags, can be cut into Christmas postcards, and make beautiful little gift boxes…not to mention the pretty ornaments that can be made from them. We’ll look into these uses in later posts. Today I want to show you how easily an […]

Holiday Petits Fours

A rich, three layer, almond treat! This little bite of cake is one DD#2’s favorite Christmas goodies. There are five pieces on this tray. Can you find them? Don’t let this recipe throw you off. They are actually easy to make, beautiful to look at, and delicious! Holiday Petits Fours 1 can (8 oz.) almond […]

dinner party, punch recipe

Last evening’s dinner party was wonderful. The menu included: crackers and cheese spread (I left out the chicken.) pear/walnut salad roast beef (Delicious! Got rave reviews.) boiled red potatoes carrots and parsnips stir-fried sugar snap peas with cherry tomatoes almond cake for dessert Three of the guests came at 7:00, and the others about 7:30, […]

shopping day

I spent the day shopping. Hope that’s the last of it! DH was swamped at work (even though it is his “day off”), so I went by myself. Got a lot done and could pick up a few things for DH that will be a surprise, which is always nice. I do need to top […]

Candy Jumble

Several people who saw a picture of this candy on my flickr site asked if I would share the recipe. I am always happy to share, so here you are. 🙂 The ingredients list is short and it is very easy to make. Candy Jumble 24 oz. pkg. vanilla almond bark 2 c. mini marshmallows, […]

sledding ~ her way…his way…

On Saturday, we had ice, then snow. Yesterday, DH, DD#3, and DD#2 went to our friends’ home to try the hill behind their house. They had a great time. I stayed home where it is warm and cozy. 🙂 Last night, DD talked DH into going outside around 7:00 and DH pulled her all around […]

Oreo Truffles

18 oz. package Oreo Cookies, crushed (reserve 2 T.) 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened Crush the Oreo cookies. I put them in a zippered storage bag and hit them with the rolling pin. 🙂 Stir together the cookie crumbs and the softened cream cheese until well blended. Form into small balls. Cool them in […]

Raspberry Truffles

Raspberry Truffles 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 T heavy cream 1 T butter 2 T seedless raspberry jam In a heavy saucepan, combine chips, heavy cream and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Stir in raspberry jam. Cover with plastic wrap; freeze 20 minutes. Drop mixture by teaspoons onto foil lined […]

Christmas Mice

Each year, for our annual Christmas open house, we make these very cute Christmas mice. They are a great addition to a cookie tray. I think more of them are taken home wrapped in napkins than are actually eaten at the party. 🙂 The bodies of the mice are made from maraschino cherries dipped in […]