Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

"Christmas at the Curve" by seven (Found at Creative Commons)
"Christmas Ornament" by bc anna (Found at Creative Commons)
"They left the cats a Christmas tree" by bc anna (Found at Creative Commons)

It's weird but for some reason it doesn't feel like Christmas. Everything is so devoid of the Christmas spirit it seems. Two weeks ago when we did our Christmas market we were the only ones who had Christmas bows on our table and twinkling lights. We wore Christmas earrings and dressed up Christmas like and had smiles on our faces. Yes, there was Christmas music but everyone was glum. Everyone is afraid to say "Merry Christmas" as it isn't politically correct. Yet Jews can say "Happy Hannukah" and no one minds. People say "Happy Holidays" but there is a look of discontentment on everyone's faces like is this all there is? There is the rush and the hubub and everyone is in a hurry and cranky and they forget the true meaning of Christmas. You would be hard pressed to find a nativity scene in any store and you have certain people being offended by Christmas trees. It's sad that we have become so devoid of the holiday spirit and are afraid to embrace the
season.

"Feliz Navidad/Merry Christmas" by arquera (Found at Creative Commons)
"Equal Cross Mandala" (Found at Yahoo images)
"Manger" by singer (Found at Creative Commons)

I wanted to wish everyone out in blogger land a blessed Christmas and leave you with a twist on the classic "Twas the Night Before Christmas" For the classic version of the tale CLICK HERE (This one has music as well)

Merry Christmas to all,
S.

'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came'

written by Unknown Author

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

---

Missing California and yummy salt.

Lately I've been missing California. Years ago I went to a university there to get my English degree and I loved it. I have to confess I love TV shows that take place in California because it reminds me of my time there.

Well one place I spent a lot of time is Newport beach and there is a long pier there. At the end of it is a 50's Diner called Ruby's. I even have the T-shirt that I used to wear although it is quite ragedy and worn but still brings fond memories of yummy French fries. They also served malt vinegar there which was great.

So I can across this cool video that was done in Newport Beach and no I didn't live exactly where this girl lives and didn't have those cool chocolate dipped ice cream bars but the beach and pier are still the same so I thought I'd post it here for a little taste of California.

So this is a continuation of my favourite things. On a whim I bought some of this wonderful Antartic Pure sea salt. The first one I bought was the black pepper and sea salt, then sea salt and seaweed and this time I got the pepper/salt and then just one plain sea salt. You can buy it already in a shaker which I did but a couple of times I went to twist the cap and fell all over my plate. After that I found another salt/pepper grinder in the house to use but recently came across this shaker which I love. It has an adjustable grind dial at the bottom. This salt is really good and stands out among ordinary salt. Right now I can only find it in one store.

Have a lovely dovely week-end everyone out there in blogger land,

Wishing you well :)S.

Some of my favourite things...

It's been a week since I have blogged. We just had our last big Christmas show and it was a smashing success. Picture below is of Green Tea bath drops for a bath or a manicure or pedicure (you just drop one in-too cute I say). My sister and I can now get caught up on all the TV shows we are behind on.So onto some of my favourite things at the moment. My mom made these igloo mellow treats which are homemade marshmellows rolled in coconut and are so yummy. They are soft, light and airy and better than store bought marshmellows.
We often make our own homemade pizza. After seeing a picture of my friend Jen's pizza I was craving it all over again so we made some. It was so good I wanted to eat the whole thing. Usually it's made with soy cheese which is a wonderful alternative for people who don't eat dairy products. If we bring to a friends house we make half soy cheese and half with regular cheese.
I was shopping at one of my favourite stores (it's like a Wal-Mart idea but much bigger and has everything in it). Anywho I love anything that is clear, ie cups, plates, anything plexi glass. My dream is to one day have a plexiglass desk (I used to see them all the time years ago). Plexiglass is expensive so I'll keep my eyes peeled. Anywho I'm digressing here... I bought these clear mugs.
So after I bought these mugs I went to my favourite city by the sea and what did I see at a store I popped into? More clear mugs, but these were stubby, chubby ones and of course see through. I got them for a song and stood there in disbelief that they hadn't been snatched up.
Along with these beauties I saw another mug I had to have. It has more of a country look to it but I like it's rustic qualities. It will be great for hot drinks.
Now I love cats although I don't own one due to my sister's allergies. We have lots of neighbourhood cats though which is great. I like cats that are a big plump and have lots of tiger stripes. When I was a kid I called Taby cats Toby cats so now that is my nickname for them. I also bought a meow mug. Can you tell I love mugs of all shapes and sizes. Well the bigger the better.
Along with mugs I also collect sterling silver rings. About two years ago I took a silversmithing course and have a whole silversmithing studio. The problem is my soap and beauty line keeps me busy so hopefully I'll be able to get back to that now that the madness has died down. Sometimes though I see a ring I can't pass up as was this case. Maybe I can make one similar.
Who doesn't love a good pair of flannel jammies? I like flannel that is plush and not real flimsy. So I was out shopping the other day and found these jemmers. They are so comfy and warm I could relax in them all day and drink hot tea.
Awhile back I posted about this yummy organic bread I buy at the market I sell my products at. Well I knew it was made with red Fyfe wheat so I decided to make my own since it is costly. I don't have a wood oven though so I did the next best thing and made it from scratch. I found a flour that is considered the cousin of red fyfe and I made bread last week. It is so divine. Mine tastes more like sourdough bread so I'll have to work on getting the taste of the hardy bread.
I'm a jack of all trades and like to have my hands in everything if you haven't noticed. Now that I've left everyone hungry I'll say: "So long farewell, I hate to say good-bye..." Have you all heard that Gwen Stefani song that has one of the "Sound of Music" theme songs in it. Oh man everytime I hear that song I can't stop hearing it in my head. "Wind it up."

:) S. is out,

Top Secret Drum Corps Video

We have had a couple of home shows this past week so it's been busy around here.

A friend sent this to me and I thought it was pretty cool. It starts off slow but picks up after a minute or so. They do some amazing stunts with drumsticks.

S. Out