tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76939291048125071192024-03-05T01:22:13.690-08:00Sandy PopaSandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-78440664291016457012008-12-25T11:36:00.001-08:002008-11-15T11:39:26.944-08:00Countdown to Christmas<embed src="http://www.satisfaction.com/christmas-countdown-generator/countdown1.swf?x=http://www.satisfaction.com" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="countdown1" allowscriptaccess="samedomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" width="450" height="200"></embed>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-6643912588169671572008-12-23T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-23T22:00:00.550-08:00The Night Before Christmas<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><span lang="GA">The Night Before Christmas</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;"><span lang="GA">By Clement Clarke Moore<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#ff0000;">Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;<br /> The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;</span> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> <p><span style="color:#ff0000;">The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;<br /> And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,</span></p> <p><span style="color:#ff0000;">When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.<br /> Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#ff0000;">The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,<br /> When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,</span></p> <p><span style="color:#ff0000;">With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.<br /> More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;</span></p> </span> <p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#ff0000;">"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!<br /> To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"</span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,<br /> So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.</span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.<br /> As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.</span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;<br /> A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.</span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!<br /> His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;</span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;<br /> He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.</span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;<br /> A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;</span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,<br /> And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;</span></span></p> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.<br /> But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,<br /> <b>"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"</b></span></span></p></div>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-60468598954521412672008-12-18T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-18T22:00:01.190-08:00Christmas Funnies!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QxL_QRE4A269NKE7uJAPAE4fKCKj0It-bYsKbk2J-UgJhNs34qMzJcYlOlxkTYpwsT6xiIb-I7S7Tv2JC0ozGk9q62a5yC9-QR_Eww16M_raUVvbYfWnG_8WZdB3ipp24DXfdGkNy_A/s1600-h/ATT3825438.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QxL_QRE4A269NKE7uJAPAE4fKCKj0It-bYsKbk2J-UgJhNs34qMzJcYlOlxkTYpwsT6xiIb-I7S7Tv2JC0ozGk9q62a5yC9-QR_Eww16M_raUVvbYfWnG_8WZdB3ipp24DXfdGkNy_A/s320/ATT3825438.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280875693187513026" /></a>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-67311452604541330272008-12-17T06:05:00.001-08:002008-12-17T06:06:26.028-08:00Christmas Crossword<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xzJgW225Td37iZ9a9IPh2BT1vib3AyAZonglTw2WJXJTZskXwW1R7CzCaKojpaq9nm5BsBpSuv5l5uo5-n70IjnpMyRovS38j_7_ZyX60-sS5qQ_lTZly0lVE6AqUA3iWSiaxJoeRCU/s1600-h/christmas_crossword.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280759962340924082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xzJgW225Td37iZ9a9IPh2BT1vib3AyAZonglTw2WJXJTZskXwW1R7CzCaKojpaq9nm5BsBpSuv5l5uo5-n70IjnpMyRovS38j_7_ZyX60-sS5qQ_lTZly0lVE6AqUA3iWSiaxJoeRCU/s320/christmas_crossword.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Click on the crossword to make it bigger so that you can print it! Have fun! I'll give you the answers tomorrow!Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-52420396177272915992008-12-16T04:49:00.001-08:002008-12-16T04:50:16.670-08:00Sugar CookiesThe dough is easy-to-make, easy-to-use, and the cookies taste delicious. This dough also works wonderfully as spritz cookie dough.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQGnYL5O0zxJkQ_JtZFpafnp-AdJM-6QSpc1DYf3URGs1KA-xRyAejunPi58ZhiMn_FCgstlB_ZSpKz-ruRxb-u3vq7xuWVKHO14MqinQh0e4WaSGtEM6ZezJbaYOSGiwbdKhlzIuXdE/s1600-h/starcookies_rdax_65.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQGnYL5O0zxJkQ_JtZFpafnp-AdJM-6QSpc1DYf3URGs1KA-xRyAejunPi58ZhiMn_FCgstlB_ZSpKz-ruRxb-u3vq7xuWVKHO14MqinQh0e4WaSGtEM6ZezJbaYOSGiwbdKhlzIuXdE/s320/starcookies_rdax_65.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280369227583800034" border="0" /></a><br /><h3>Ingredients</h3> <div class="recipe-ingredients"><ul><li> ½ cup unsalted butter </li><li> ½ cup sugar </li><li> 1 egg yolk </li><li> 1 teaspoon vanilla extract </li><li> 1½ cups flour </li><li> ⅛ teaspoon salt </li></ul></div> <!-- START GOOGLE AD POSITION 2 --> <!-- START GOOGLE AD POSITION 2 --> <h3>Cooking Instructions</h3> <ol><li> Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium until smooth. Add sugar. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg yolk until combined. Add vanilla. Beat until combined. </li><li> Add flour and salt. Beat until combined, scraping down side of bowl occasionally. </li><li> Between two sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap with a rolling pin roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut out shapes. Reroll and use scraps until all dough is used. </li><li> Bake 15 to 20 minutes,depending on the size of the cookies, or until lightly browned. </li><li> Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet 5 minutes. Remove to cooling rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired. </li></ol> <!-- START GOOGLE AD POSITION 2 --> <!-- START GOOGLE AD POSITION 2 --> <h3>Make-Ahead</h3> <div class="recipe-ingredients"><p> These cookies can be made through step 3, wrapped well, and refrigerated up to 1 week, or frozen up to 6 months. </p></div> <h3>Tips & Tricks</h3> <div class="recipe-ingredients"><p> These cookies are also the perfect consistancy for making spritz cookies. </p></div> <!-- <p> About 2 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the cookie cutters </p> --> Preparation Time: <p> 25 minutes, not including decorating time </p><br /> Servings: <p> About 2 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the cookie cutters </p><br /> Baking Time: 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the cookiesSandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-87182986886700043672008-12-14T22:00:00.002-08:002008-12-14T22:00:02.821-08:00The Story of Santa's Reindeer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSTHG_jwme7VoIwk6jGp9d_AUSboYIoGZIo_a0tWtOdRVvoJ7_DKWri0fKidqmJNunj25jGh0of1pEo7fixt2TdRsgndDrXF9hQCdT8nnJN_4ndjKY0S-UC_ZVTnkjED93p_uQURD7yI/s1600-h/reindeer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSTHG_jwme7VoIwk6jGp9d_AUSboYIoGZIo_a0tWtOdRVvoJ7_DKWri0fKidqmJNunj25jGh0of1pEo7fixt2TdRsgndDrXF9hQCdT8nnJN_4ndjKY0S-UC_ZVTnkjED93p_uQURD7yI/s320/reindeer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279289445104864322" border="0" /></a>Rudolph wasn't born until more than a century later. In 1939 the Montgomery Ward company wanted to give away a Christmas booklet as a promotional gimmick. The store tapped one of its best copywriters, Robert L. May -- a 34-year old father whose wife was terminally ill -- to author the booklet. With his knack for writing children's limericks, May was the perfect choice.<span name="KonaBody"><p>For many of us, Rudolph and the rest of Santa's reindeer are as much a part of Christmas folklore as the holiday spirit itself. But these classic characters are very much a modern addition to Christmas tradition. </p><br /><p>The legend of Santa's reindeer began in the now famous poem, "The Night Before Christmas." The poem, written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822 as a Christmas gift to his children, introduced the notion of Santa's sleigh being magically pulled by eight mythical reindeer:</p><br /><blockquote><p> <em>When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,<br />But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,<br />With a little old driver, so lively and quick,<br />I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.</em><br /><br /><em>More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,<br />And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;<br />"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!<br />On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!<br />To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!<br />Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"</em> </p></blockquote><br /><p>But where was Rudolph, the most famous of all the reindeer, in Moore's poem?</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GOjpWURC8i0xzO7ywgNyx97GbEswkZsXeHkHZepsN2_hDetXowBMl33i9U8TUuB0FpiCR8zAMbvWKoJLLtDeqzFtZougaB_E6xjPDKp1hpCpgKcwd-x-Hq8VzcftguXgp6HwqMj6dZs/s1600-h/rudy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GOjpWURC8i0xzO7ywgNyx97GbEswkZsXeHkHZepsN2_hDetXowBMl33i9U8TUuB0FpiCR8zAMbvWKoJLLtDeqzFtZougaB_E6xjPDKp1hpCpgKcwd-x-Hq8VzcftguXgp6HwqMj6dZs/s320/rudy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279289793329862434" border="0" /></a><p><span name="KonaBody">Rudolph wasn't born until more than a century later. In 1939 the Montgomery Ward company wanted to give away a Christmas booklet as a promotional gimmick. The store tapped one of its best copywriters, Robert L. May -- a 34-year old father whose wife was terminally ill -- to author the booklet. With his knack for writing children's limericks, May was the perfect choice.<br /></span></p></span><span name="KonaBody"><p>May sought out to create a hero for all children, but especially for those like himself, who were taunted and picked on for being smaller and slower than his peers. His vision led him to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, an underdog champion outcast for his glowing red nose.<br /></p><p>Printed in 1939, the booklet reached a distribution of more than 2.4 copies through nationwide Montgomery Ward stores. Paper rationing during World War II curtailed production, but by 1946, more than 6 million copies of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had been given out. But by then, May was a widower and single dad, in deep debt from his wife's medical bills. In 1947, though, May secured his financial future when Montgomery Ward granted him the copyright over Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.</p></span><span name="KonaBody"><p>May okayed the licensing of the first short animated film version of Rudolph in 1948 and in 1949, Gene Autry recorded the musical version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. That song went on to become the second best-selling song of all time ("White Christmas" is number one.)<br /></p><p>The special place of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer in America's Christmas culture was codified in 1964, when an animated version of the story was telecast for the first time. That beloved show has been aired every year since, making it the top Christmas show of all time. </p><br /></span>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-16285480574145983682008-12-13T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-13T22:00:00.509-08:00Clean Christmas Jokes<table align="center" cellpadding="4" width="90%"><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What do monkeys sing at Christmas ?<br /></b> Jungle Bells, Jungle bells.. !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Why are Christmas trees like bad knitters ? <br /></b>They both drop their needles !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What's Christmas called in England ?</b><br />Yule Britannia !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What did the bald man say when he got a comb for Christmas ?</b><br /> Thanks, I'll never part with it !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Why is a <a id="KonaLink0" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/jokes/general.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">burning </span><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">candle</span></span></a> like being thirsty ?<br /></b>Beacause a little water ends both of them ! </span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree ?</b> <br /> A pineapple !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What do you give a train driver for Christmas ?</b> <br /><a id="KonaLink1" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/jokes/general.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">Platform </span><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">shoes</span></span></a> !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What did the big <a id="KonaLink2" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/jokes/general.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static;">candle</span></span></a> say to the little candle ?</b> <br /> I'm going out tonight !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>Whats happens to you at Christmas ?</b> <br />Yule be happy !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>How long does it take to burn a candle down ?</b> <br /> About a wick ! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="6" width="90%"><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"> <b>Knock Knock<br /></b>Who's there ?<br />Mary<br />Mary who ?<br />Mary Christmas ! </span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What did one Angel say to the other ?<br /></b>Halo there !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>How to cats greet each other at Christmas ?</b> <br /> "A furry <a id="KonaLink1" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/jokes/greetingjokes.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">merry </span><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">Christmas</span></span></a> & Happy mew year" !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What do elephants sing at Christmas ?</b> <br /> No-elephants, no elephants ! </span> </td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What does Dracula write on his <a id="KonaLink2" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/jokes/greetingjokes.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">Christmas </span><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">cards</span></span><span style="position: relative;" id="preLoadWrap2"><div style="position: absolute; z-index: 4000; top: -32px; left: -18px; display: none;" id="preLoadLayer2"><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif" /></div></span></a> ?</b><br /> Best vicious of the season</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>What do angry mice send to each other at Christmas ?</b> <br /> Cross mouse cards !</span></td></tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><b>How do sheep greet each other at Christmas ?</b> <br /> A merry Christmas to ewe</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-38755913125150369162008-12-13T06:48:00.001-08:002008-12-13T06:48:52.279-08:00History of the Christmas Advent Calendar<p>From the point of view of Christianity, Advent starts 4 Sundays before Christmas. Thus Advent in the religious sense could begin as early as 28th of November or as late as the 3rd of December. It was probably the German Protestants or Lutherans who invented the idea of Advent Calendar as running from December 1 - 25.</p> <p>As a child, Gerhard Lang's mother had made him a basic advent calendar so that he could count down the days until Christmas. She placed 24 sweets onto a piece of cardboard and each day the young Gerhard would take and eat a sweet. When he grew up Gerhard Lang made the first printed advent calendar in 1908.</p> Later, in 1946, we see Richard Sellmer producing calendars in Germany. The US authorities had to grant him a license in the now post war Germany which led to his advent calendars becoming known and indeed very popular in the USA.<br /><br /><p>Sellmer's first advent calendar was called 'The Little Town'. The calendar had pictures of many buildings in the town and you would open the windows and the doors to find nice things underneath for each day of advent. Although these are not funny advent calendars, they are interesting, in particular Sellmer produced a very popular lamp shade advent calendar that would fit any lamp and would revolve under heat with 24 windows to open. These calendars can still be purchased from the Sellmer organisation today.</p> <p>By the end of the 1950s, chocolate advent calendars had appeared, and by the following decade they had become widespread. People still make or buy advent calendars nowadays, with hundreds of different varieties appearing across the globe. A Carols' Calendar was created with a carol for each day of advent. In 1954 they produced the 'White House calendar' with the scenery of the White House in Washington. They then produced many varieties of pull out advent calendars.</p> <p>Today, the most typical advent calendar is printed on cardboard with twenty four small doors. These calendars have many themes from religious ones with Mary and Joseph travelling to the stable, nativity scenes, church scenes, Bethlehem, winter wonderland and many more. A Santa stocking advent calendar offers a different idea. The stocking has a picture of a Christmas tree on it and you hang an ornament on the tree on each day of Advent.</p> <p>Celebrating advent with an advent calendar is an ideal way to prepare for Christmas especially with children. The tradition of the advent calendars adds more meaning to Christmas for families everywhere.</p>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-13669429493416329242008-12-11T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-11T22:00:01.156-08:00Santas Smelly SocksThis is a quick and fun craft to make with many uses. You can place these smelly socks into shoes or just hanging up in a room.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL1I_czZd72jrHo-9CThWbvVXLxprlbAlo1YPgHQNSRt8Fbb-GrI_StwxnGC-jHlMWcTXnr84DLCJE4mBW5dNhoj-qAv2UWgAhAwiOPS_kNgYHVNPinaiCIEvpcj2-BVeK2Ng65iQ8KU/s1600-h/356_main_smellysocks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL1I_czZd72jrHo-9CThWbvVXLxprlbAlo1YPgHQNSRt8Fbb-GrI_StwxnGC-jHlMWcTXnr84DLCJE4mBW5dNhoj-qAv2UWgAhAwiOPS_kNgYHVNPinaiCIEvpcj2-BVeK2Ng65iQ8KU/s320/356_main_smellysocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277940383756493250" border="0" /></a>Materials:<br />Pair of decorative Christmas Socks<br />PotPourri<br />Ribbon<br />Elastic bands<br /><br />Start by filling your socks with potpourri. If your socks are new you can stretch them out a little by placing them onto your foot. <br /> <br />Stuff the potpourri into the sock nice and firm. Use elastic bands to close off the top of the sock and attach some ribbon. <br /> <br />You can hang these in pairs or just have one smelly sock hanging up. <br /> <br />These make lovely gifts and fundraiser items.Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-35185102217545084922008-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:00:01.026-08:00The time is almost here......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Kbi19ju8ioCw7biY7tBDqJQFCvZySfLVlEOzx1YIR2RBJfzGU_K-LhaO30EHjTODExzd3u1ghtdxQbyEToSt4yy-qWCM7QCe0nffAnJFJcmu3weEmhYgMNYEF8aS6rC2ty1ZlgidW7c/s1600-h/wrappedpresent.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Kbi19ju8ioCw7biY7tBDqJQFCvZySfLVlEOzx1YIR2RBJfzGU_K-LhaO30EHjTODExzd3u1ghtdxQbyEToSt4yy-qWCM7QCe0nffAnJFJcmu3weEmhYgMNYEF8aS6rC2ty1ZlgidW7c/s320/wrappedpresent.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277942873227565874" border="0" /></a><br />I have mailed off your package. Too bad it won't look as pretty as the package in the picture but I think you'll love what's inside. =) Just a matter of time until you find out who I am!Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-13498328956170992072008-12-09T22:00:00.003-08:002008-12-09T22:00:01.003-08:00Snowman OrnamentHere's a fun little project that the whole family can participate in. Make a bunch of snowman ornaments and your tree will be beautiful!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsdMeTA92Yu-T0H1mFT15mwnuWWpvFdRY4mYO6YK_0M9pbQPn6SNfLOmQ6LzBlpNPmRAO8LA51X_XyxcwAOA-9j8lrSTBmJk5W146ouxwPrVk6or1eJhnzCGuu0O9GaZltskHcvF3UWs/s1600-h/664_main_snowman_ornament-thmb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsdMeTA92Yu-T0H1mFT15mwnuWWpvFdRY4mYO6YK_0M9pbQPn6SNfLOmQ6LzBlpNPmRAO8LA51X_XyxcwAOA-9j8lrSTBmJk5W146ouxwPrVk6or1eJhnzCGuu0O9GaZltskHcvF3UWs/s320/664_main_snowman_ornament-thmb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277939467728718658" border="0" /></a>Materials:<br /> <p class="tenGrey10px">Clear tree ornament, glass balls<br />Crinkled and shredded white paper<br />Small Pom Pom's<br />Chenille<br />Flannel, different colors<br />Tacky Glue<br />Ribbon<br />Hot melt glue<br /></p><p class="tenGrey10px"><br /></p>If you have a paper crinkler crinkle the paper then shred. If not cut the paper into small 1/8" strips.<br /> <br />Cut the strips into 1" to 2" lengths.<br /> <br />Remove the top from the ornament and stuff the shredded paper into the clear ornament making it look like snow. Use a pencil to shove the paper into the ball, sometimes the glass edge is broken.<br /><br />Replace the hanger top.<br /> <br />Cut out the eyes and mouth from black felt.<br /> <br />Cut out the carrot nose from orange felt.<br /> <br />Glue these onto the ornament to make a cute face using tacky glue.<br /> <br />Glue a pom pom on each side of the head to cover the ears with hot melt glue.<br /> <br />Cut a piece of chenille to go from the top of one ear muff to the other with hot melt glue.<br /> <br />Glue the chenille in place.<br /> <br />Cut a scarf from felt to go around the bottom of the ornament. Cut slits into the ends to make it look like the fringe on a scarf.<br /> <br />Glue the scarf onto the bottom of the ornament using hot melt glue.<br /> <br />Tie a ribbon through the hanger top to hang it on the tree.Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-80210195007566696932008-12-08T22:00:00.002-08:002008-12-08T22:00:01.075-08:00Christmas Word Mining<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AqRtCb8zL6Aq0L47HEsq7y9qxFQ0th25zfAn3hzGXQoAL1fNkCQsiUYJnQZSpAeSoxA2qK4S8QCWsmA3_VLmOgObGRpIZFv9rT4tHL03Vu1ensPIu5ILlTZ7EW19H9VN_UO0cwjx_Ac/s1600-h/c-wordmine1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AqRtCb8zL6Aq0L47HEsq7y9qxFQ0th25zfAn3hzGXQoAL1fNkCQsiUYJnQZSpAeSoxA2qK4S8QCWsmA3_VLmOgObGRpIZFv9rT4tHL03Vu1ensPIu5ILlTZ7EW19H9VN_UO0cwjx_Ac/s320/c-wordmine1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275382595806902498" border="0" /></a>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-86243375194877901072008-12-07T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-07T22:00:01.319-08:00Color Santa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nYBAFsuTikKlp1muufb7s5B6JWnggVkga0M-w9aP5SKuF9BYxDK2LE4ikCgI_nboCxVTaE8kIvL2VcF94V05txe71QZzke9w1WDViA_bj4-mNRZDeD_GPGT5MykdNqScC-NEFuzPkS8/s1600-h/santa9.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nYBAFsuTikKlp1muufb7s5B6JWnggVkga0M-w9aP5SKuF9BYxDK2LE4ikCgI_nboCxVTaE8kIvL2VcF94V05txe71QZzke9w1WDViA_bj4-mNRZDeD_GPGT5MykdNqScC-NEFuzPkS8/s320/santa9.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275378383192557970" border="0" /></a>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-13284621729884188912008-12-06T22:00:00.001-08:002008-12-06T22:00:00.209-08:00Christmas Crossword<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKUmP8TWtusd9aTlXGDHOxfbLA58ktBQF3DYEOBIZv4uqvB978IOPCUYw5t3cb8_FxOj7pu1rMIhW1PbLSr_lkYO_UnbTDVDR5iM7teCLu9WjZtwqaV3VU-mb248rjucrqZu5-fqjXuE/s1600-h/cross3.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKUmP8TWtusd9aTlXGDHOxfbLA58ktBQF3DYEOBIZv4uqvB978IOPCUYw5t3cb8_FxOj7pu1rMIhW1PbLSr_lkYO_UnbTDVDR5iM7teCLu9WjZtwqaV3VU-mb248rjucrqZu5-fqjXuE/s320/cross3.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275378073366475666" border="0" /></a>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-51512471779135423902008-12-05T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-05T22:00:01.103-08:00Christmas Word Find<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWBSGhKqap-sQ90Iq-c3AK_Lj4WKRqN2755KcTJTWKSElXbnNTgSJ9l24WPk6bl2jA9MARwU2edvD8ZTIHC3IX_-J-LnuopmB0uDUl7mEUKZolizbDtp1-8WrsDe1Mu_-zsAlSyqJOz4/s1600-h/find2.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWBSGhKqap-sQ90Iq-c3AK_Lj4WKRqN2755KcTJTWKSElXbnNTgSJ9l24WPk6bl2jA9MARwU2edvD8ZTIHC3IX_-J-LnuopmB0uDUl7mEUKZolizbDtp1-8WrsDe1Mu_-zsAlSyqJOz4/s320/find2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275377424647705618" border="0" /></a>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-80979409153462144622008-12-04T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-04T22:00:00.753-08:00Rudolph the Red-Nosed HandprintYour child gets to lend a hand in crafting this ultraeasy decoration, which makes a sweet gift for grandparents this Christmas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfM4_eiTAtALWvYobSYIMWnWw1eolq9m_S8g5zpqtTtBnaXStGok3EyyvaTuMWSnwFBhJun_2HwhfwfXYn59X4tv27LHOPfGdGXtT_zk319rk5SEnnKjxlPM4I7mjapRiAuLg3lRkphQ/s1600-h/1104_reindeerhand_img.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfM4_eiTAtALWvYobSYIMWnWw1eolq9m_S8g5zpqtTtBnaXStGok3EyyvaTuMWSnwFBhJun_2HwhfwfXYn59X4tv27LHOPfGdGXtT_zk319rk5SEnnKjxlPM4I7mjapRiAuLg3lRkphQ/s320/1104_reindeerhand_img.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269833057380237746" border="0" /></a><br /><table class="materials" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><h2>CRAFT MATERIALS:</h2></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Pencil </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Brown craft foam or card stock </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Black marker </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Red glitter glue </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Gold sequins </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Glue </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Googly eyes </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Red pom-pom </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Brown pipe cleaner </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Paper clip or clothespin </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><br />Time needed: Under 1 Hour</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="step">1. </span> To assemble one, first use a pencil to trace your child's hand onto a piece of brown craft foam or card stock. <br /><br /> <span class="step">2. </span> Cut out the shape and add black marker hooves to the fingertips. <br /><br /> <span class="step">3. </span> Next, add a red glitter glue collar with gold sequins for bells, then glue on a googly eye, a red pom-pom nose, and a tail cut from the brown craft foam or card stock. <br /><br /> <span class="step">4. </span> For the reindeer's antlers, cut a brown pipe cleaner in half. Bend each half in two (slightly off-center) and curl the ends. Glue together the pipe cleaner pieces, holding them in place with a paper clip or clothespin until the glue dries. Finally, glue the antlers in place on the reindeer.Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-41254702991259427462008-12-03T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-03T22:00:00.311-08:00Fleece HatThis soft and cozy cap is just the gift to give for fighting brisk winter weather. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBM6k_c7kC8jhi7wZe1bEnwXjZL1OwVat16CKEAIh3mZCH50P5fQCMgF-Krb1G-IgxUG_lc4_yMSs4mrVRzhjrD3ue1ENm2Cr7p2XGYKheJYG6dmhAMrhHquVWK4d4NrEsr43upTL0rc/s1600-h/craft_fleecehat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBM6k_c7kC8jhi7wZe1bEnwXjZL1OwVat16CKEAIh3mZCH50P5fQCMgF-Krb1G-IgxUG_lc4_yMSs4mrVRzhjrD3ue1ENm2Cr7p2XGYKheJYG6dmhAMrhHquVWK4d4NrEsr43upTL0rc/s320/craft_fleecehat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269831543351203298" border="0" /></a><br /><table class="materials" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><h2>CRAFT MATERIALS:</h2></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Tape measure </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> 1/2 yard fleece fabric </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Scissors </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Needle and thread </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> Buttons, appliqués, or felt pieces for decoration </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="materialBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> 1 yard decorative cord </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"><br />Time needed: Under 1 Hour</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="step">1. </span> First, determine the size of the hat. (To avoid ruining the surprise, measure the head of someone who is similar in size to the recipient.) Now cut a piece of fleece that?s 16 inches wide and as long as the measurement you took plus 2 inches.<br /><br /><span class="step">2. </span> Fold the fleece in half, right side in so the 16-inch edges match up. Sew a 1/2-inch-wide seam along this edge, stopping 5 inches from the bottom (see A). Just below the last stitch, make a 1/2-inch cut in from the side. Turn the material right side out. Now sew a seam along the last 5 inches of unsewn fleece (see B).<br /><br /><span class="step">3. </span> Roll the bottom of the hat up two turns, so the cuff conceals the bottom part of the seam. To keep the cuff from unrolling, sew on a decorative button, an appliqué, or a felt cutout. <br /><br /> <span class="step">4. </span> Finally, gather the top 3 inches of the hat and tie a colorful cord around it.Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-85854572580286058002008-12-02T22:00:00.002-08:002008-12-02T22:00:00.899-08:00Hot apple ciderI love hot apple cider! All the spices and the aroma make my head swim with delicious thoughts!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaY2sR0o1_iKCRtofw9-T_JdDIApigLeByjs58Bl0gc95N-sWjLdqsfMX5F80yn6U1LAyJNZwp-sI1cS5avO0SMsvh5uOyXg2xLVc2X0H03koRyQDwkVyDfMgVeGPF75nODOCJFes6fY/s1600-h/cider.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaY2sR0o1_iKCRtofw9-T_JdDIApigLeByjs58Bl0gc95N-sWjLdqsfMX5F80yn6U1LAyJNZwp-sI1cS5avO0SMsvh5uOyXg2xLVc2X0H03koRyQDwkVyDfMgVeGPF75nODOCJFes6fY/s320/cider.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269830167780108978" border="0" /></a>Ingredients:<br /><p>2 quarts apple cider<br /> 1/2 cup brown sugar<br /> Dash of salt<br /> 1 teaspoon dried ginger<br /> 1 teaspoon cloves<br /> 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg<br /> 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon<br /> cinnamon sticks</p> <p>Combine cider, sugar and salt in a saucepan. In a small piece of cheesecloth, combine spices, and tie off. Add spice packet to cider mixture, and slowly bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove spices.</p> <p>Serve hot cider in mugs with cinnamon sticks. </p>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-3434590669404635192008-12-01T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-01T22:00:00.569-08:00Egg NogEgg Nog! I think this is a drink that you either like it or hate it. Personally, spiked egg nog is better. =)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV5PPyK5J7gxsiF8Csg24i5S5VBBPo_5uWqyLumguFcogJsXm44AUQIhRCaZDI2Ns_OZiyZ6w_ZM6Gf0taGe6ppffwetQ1rPr11U2yr5922BxZUXw_c6nnY-bDWb-ewvkvbjij-2fcAk/s1600-h/eggnog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV5PPyK5J7gxsiF8Csg24i5S5VBBPo_5uWqyLumguFcogJsXm44AUQIhRCaZDI2Ns_OZiyZ6w_ZM6Gf0taGe6ppffwetQ1rPr11U2yr5922BxZUXw_c6nnY-bDWb-ewvkvbjij-2fcAk/s320/eggnog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269829381317570450" border="0" /></a>Ingredients:<br /><br />3 egg yolks<br />1/3 cup sugar<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br /> 3 cups milk<br /> 1 cup heavy cream<br /> 2 egg whites<br /> 3 tablespoons sugar<br /> 1 teaspoon vanilla<p></p> <p>Using a mixer, beat egg yolks, then gradually add 1/3 cup of sugar until dissolved. Add the salt and stir in the milk and cream. Add mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When mixture reaches about 160 degrees F (or coats spoon), remove from heat, pour into glass bowl and set inside a refrigerator to chill.</p> <p>Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until they are foamy. Then, gradually add 3 tablespoons sugar until soft peaks form. Add to chilled mixture and whisk, mixing thoroughly. </p> <p>Serves 6-8 people.</p>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-14178888944162810442008-11-30T22:00:00.001-08:002008-11-30T22:00:00.189-08:00Christmas Facts<p>– Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the <a href="http://www.history.com/states.do">United States</a> alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the <a href="http://www.history.com/states.do">United States</a>, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.</p> <p> – Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger. </p> <p> – In <a href="http://www.history.com/marquee.do?marquee_id=53127">the Middle Ages</a>, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today's <a href="http://www.history.com/minisites/mardigras/">Mardi Gras</a> parties. </p> <p> – From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings. </p> <p> – Christmas wasn't a holiday in early <a href="http://www.history.com/states.do">America</a>—in fact Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the country's first Christmas under the new constitution. </p> <p> – Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the <a href="http://www.history.com/states.do">United States</a> on June 26, 1870. </p> <p> – The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in <a href="http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=222537">Captain John Smith's</a> 1607 <a href="http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&display_order=1&content_type_id=54647&mini_id=51103">Jamestown</a> settlement. </p> <p> – Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to <a href="http://www.history.com/states.do">America</a> in 1828. </p> <p> – <a href="http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=221402">The Salvation Army</a> has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s. </p> <p> – Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was the product of Robert L. May's imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store. </p> <p> – Construction workers started the <a href="http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=1287&display_order=4&sub_display_order=14&mini_id=1290">Rockefeller Center Christmas tree</a> tradition in 1931. </p>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-23728339665722410792008-11-29T22:00:00.000-08:002008-11-29T22:00:00.541-08:00Christmas Candleholder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo1w9Fuo7yMZxl-od8qkZwSV3HM9kEaT_drY7swmxGFCPvRX9q2NcXfddSB6u-ppZEFfvURxNgkcVMIZKlbClfw_Mj23MO-OAdpbl-Lgis4bEE5v9AUyxwAQDK-l_NhrGHmkaSdfiCW0/s1600-h/candleholder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo1w9Fuo7yMZxl-od8qkZwSV3HM9kEaT_drY7swmxGFCPvRX9q2NcXfddSB6u-ppZEFfvURxNgkcVMIZKlbClfw_Mj23MO-OAdpbl-Lgis4bEE5v9AUyxwAQDK-l_NhrGHmkaSdfiCW0/s320/candleholder.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268988288114254194" border="0" /></a><br /><p>Cast a glow on children's faces with this simple, charming hand-painted candleholder. Follow the winter theme by turning the snowman into a snowflake or a Menorah. </p> <h3>What you'll need:</h3> <div class="craft-materials"><ul class="bullet"><li>Baby food jar (emptied and rinsed out)</li><li>Paint</li><li>Ribbon</li><li>Tea light candle</li><li>Paintbrush</li></ul></div> <h3>How to make it:</h3> <ol><li>Empty out and wash jar. </li><li>Tie ribbon around the top, but back from the edge so the flame can't reach it. </li><li>Paint any kind of design you wish on the jar. Try snowflakes, hearts, tree ornaments, etc. </li><li>Put small candle inside. </li><li>Light and watch how pretty it is. </li></ol>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-71442104556649761312008-11-28T22:00:00.000-08:002008-11-28T22:00:00.440-08:00Festive Polka Dot Ornaments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtfQ4SXZmPlNwE9y6feTnE5Gdr-ItfIBbIJDYlzVMVbAD379qLYoGTFCGQTAj9JDGsKIU3avAk27V7ws0v4kL5XPxnbIaJdSOtOWti1fFkQNK9SYUTc0YnR_qQpFhp-aEqiDF_CCoyW4/s1600-h/117x150_polkadotornie1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtfQ4SXZmPlNwE9y6feTnE5Gdr-ItfIBbIJDYlzVMVbAD379qLYoGTFCGQTAj9JDGsKIU3avAk27V7ws0v4kL5XPxnbIaJdSOtOWti1fFkQNK9SYUTc0YnR_qQpFhp-aEqiDF_CCoyW4/s320/117x150_polkadotornie1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268987449769579874" border="0" /></a>These are so easy to make you will be amazed. Grab some glass ball ornaments and some paint and decorate these pretty and festive tree accents! <h3>What you'll need:</h3> <div class="craft-materials"><ul class="bullet_3"><li>Glass ball ornaments </li><li>Red and green acrylic paint </li><li>Paint brush </li><li>ribbon </li><li>empty egg carton </li></ul></div> <h3>How to make it:</h3> <ol><li>Turn the empty egg carton upside down. This will serve as your stand as you decorate. </li><li>Place ornament upside down on egg carton, resting it between egg cups. </li><li>Using the handle end of a paint brush, dip the end of the handle into paint then dot onto the ornament. You will need to re-dip after each dot. </li><li>Dot all around the ornament and let dry completely. </li><li>Once dry, tie a piece of ribbon through the hanger hook on the ornament. </li></ol> <h3>Tips:</h3> <ul class="bullet_3"><li>You can use clear glass ornaments for this easy project, or if you prefer, use frosted or colored bulbs, adjusting the paint color accordingly. </li><li>Glass ornaments are available in abundance at most stores that carry holiday decorations. You may even have some packed away in your Christmas boxes! </li><li>Change the size of the polka dots by using different sized paint brushes. </li></ul>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-47859139509564080632008-11-27T22:00:00.000-08:002008-11-27T22:00:00.359-08:00Best Christmas Movies of All TimeThe Christmas season wouldn't be complete without watching our favorite Christmas movies while sipping a cup of hot chocolate, hot tea or cider. So kick up your feet, pop in a DVD and get ready for some great holiday movies!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It's A Wonderful Life (1946)</span> - We watch it every year, and it just keeps getting better.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miracle on 34th Street (1947)</span> - Definitive proof that Santa really does exist.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Christmas Story (1983)</span> - I double dog dare you not to like this one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">White Christmas (1954)</span> - Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye head up this Christmas classic. But the real star of the show is Irving Berlin's score.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 - TV)</span> - Generations of kids have grown up on it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elf (2003) </span>- Will Ferrell drives this great-for-the-entire-family Christmas comedy. Of course the uncredited appearance of Peter Billingsley is a special holiday treat.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 - TV & 2003 cinematic)</span> - It's fun to watch the TV version and the movie version back-to-back.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Home Alone (1990) - </span>The first one, not the sequels! A really good family film for the holidays, except there's no family! Funny gags, hilarious antics and truly feel-good moments as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Christmas Carol (1938)</span> - The best version of the well-worn Dickens literary classic. At only 70 minutes in runtime, it's short but sweet classic. Beautiful set designs and powerful acting performances put this one of the must-see holiday film list.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>The Santa Clause (1994)</b></span> - Features one of Tim Allen's few successful big screen performances. So full of heart and charm it's becoming a holiday season staple.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><b>National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)</b></span> - Gotta love the holidays with the Griswalds. Watching Clark's ineptitude makes us all feel a little better ourselves.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (1991 - TV) -</span> Richard Thomas, Ed Asner and Charles Bronson star in this cheerful and uplifting version of the 1974 original. Will challenge you to look at things a little differently.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holiday Inn (1942) </span>- Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire bring this oldie-but-goodie to life. Bing Crosby does Christmas so well! Crescendoes to the magnificent debut of "<i>White Christmas</i>". "I'm dreaming of a ...."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Polar Express (2004) - </span>Adapted from Chris Van Allsburg's Caldecott Medal winning children's book of the same name.<b> </b>If you can look past the creepy computer-generated characters, this one's pretty good. The animation is spectacular as it features a rousing song and dance number in the train's dining car as well as a truly harrowing runaway train sequence.<br /><span style=";font-family:Times,Times New Roman,Georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span>Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-35245097833519051672008-11-26T22:00:00.000-08:002008-11-26T22:00:00.390-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCRW2F7w3KHo83HWcTxgMjqbAJxnUikN803d0wLEVkcS_SPc5CiymZFb-0SeIFHcuXytXIu0ufjkk3y8eAeXPpFgTtIzlPVG0SXaCTsIN3hEWzgUVHi0ZHl0Gr7Sslz1WMAc50lR2FT8/s1600-h/c10banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCRW2F7w3KHo83HWcTxgMjqbAJxnUikN803d0wLEVkcS_SPc5CiymZFb-0SeIFHcuXytXIu0ufjkk3y8eAeXPpFgTtIzlPVG0SXaCTsIN3hEWzgUVHi0ZHl0Gr7Sslz1WMAc50lR2FT8/s320/c10banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269826062773084770" border="0" /></a>Hope you enjoy your day with family all around! Don't eat too much turkey! Need to save some room for dessert!!Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7693929104812507119.post-61431929130881867752008-11-25T22:00:00.001-08:002008-11-25T22:00:01.082-08:00Popcorn SquaresPopcorn and granola add a healthy crunch to these peanut-buttery treats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi30iqVKgafdKqNkQ8qptIIfzmidBX95v96ng6EYnKlBL6YdfwJeFZXu30LvPzGzf5PSJb-d6fhHIEhZjXwA_m_IBd1KmzcH_uMLb-KRAjXOPw8PmL8zIv1I-HnnOA4VdOWb3UZbuPAY/s1600-h/popcorn-squares-main-photo-180-FFF1008EF.A07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi30iqVKgafdKqNkQ8qptIIfzmidBX95v96ng6EYnKlBL6YdfwJeFZXu30LvPzGzf5PSJb-d6fhHIEhZjXwA_m_IBd1KmzcH_uMLb-KRAjXOPw8PmL8zIv1I-HnnOA4VdOWb3UZbuPAY/s320/popcorn-squares-main-photo-180-FFF1008EF.A07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269825386408463378" border="0" /></a><br /><table class="ingredients" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2"><h2>RECIPE INGREDIENTS:</h2></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="ingredientBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> 1/2 cup honey </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="ingredientBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> 2/3 cup peanut butter </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="ingredientBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> 1 cup granola cereal, with larger chunks broken up </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="ingredientBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts, coarsely chopped </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="ingredientBullet"><img src="http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/familyfun2005/images/COMMON/bullet_small.gif" border="0" width="4" height="4" /></td> <td> 3 cups plain popped popcorn </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="step">1.</span> Line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with foil. Heat the honey in a large saucepan until it boils, about 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter and stir until mixture is well blended. <br /><br /> <span class="step">2.</span> Remove the pan from the stove and stir in the granola, the peanuts, and the popcorn until everything is coated. <br /><br /> <span class="step">3.</span> Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate the pan until the mixture is cool, about 30 minutes. <br /><br /> <span class="step">4.</span> Cut the mixture into small squares (we got 25 from our pan). The treats will be a bit crumbly, so you may want to serve them in paper candy cups.Sandy Popahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17268093936946579502noreply@blogger.com0