Custom Mason Jar Lids... Great for Christmas Gifts.

My Brand Spanking New Organised Pantry

Once again I've been caught exploring Pinterest and have found another great craft/gift idea to add to my list - custom mason jar lids. I'm not sure if I'll do this for organizing my craft supplies, pantry items or for great gift containers.

A great idea and free templates from Christine and Nicola over at The Pretty Blog - go and check it out and get other great ideas too.

We're House Shopping!

All I want for Christmas this year is a brand new house. Yes, that's all! :o) Okay, so the deal my husband and I made this year is that we wouldn't do Christmas and instead we'll finish renovating our house. Goal in mind - sell and build brand new in the Spring! We have a tight schedule ahead of us, so we're house shopping now to make sure we're prepared for what's to come.

Anyways, I'm overly excited, so excited I can't even explain. I have been drawing house plans for as long as I can remember, waiting for this day. Of course, I have to keep things realistic and within budget. After all, we didn't win the lottery.  I'm just so fascinated with houses that I don't know how I'm ever going to decide, I mean how "we" are ever going to decide. Yes, sometimes I forget there are two of us making these decisions because I get so excited. Okay, so I think you get it, I go absolutely gaga for houses (laughing). Here are a few we've been looking at:

This Exterior

With the Interior from this House

Or Maybe this House

There are so many to choose from, plus there are so many house plans I've adjusted and designed, trying to find that perfect old home charm with new age look. I love scattered rooms and a grand room, but I dislike everything in one big square room. I am dying to have a huge kitchen island with a walk in pantry and my husband only cares that the garage can hold his workshop and the basement his man cave. It's so much fun looking for that perfect home, but so stressful when you can't see it in real life and you want that perfect home to meet the budget! Right now, this is our focus. Maybe you have some advice for us as we continue down this road? I'll keep you posted on how it turns out, maybe we'll just give in and buy... but I sure hope not.

We're halfway through another work week, have a great night!

Mmm... Five Minute Fudge

About a month back, I was making a recipe that called for evaporated milk, only I didn't use the whole can. As I looked around on Google for evaporated milk recipes, I found this amazing Five Minute Fudge. Well, let me tell you - I hate fudge! It's sweet and the sugar grits between your teeth, and I'm not one for sweets, but I knew my mom would love it. So, I dug in and began making it, and now, a month later I find myself making it again! It was delicious... not too sweet and I didn't need to fight sugar grains between my teeth. I'm in love.

 Carnation Classic Five-Minute Fudge

Originally found on the Carnation website, here is the easy five minute fudge recipe I'll be using again and again.

Five Minute Fudge

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnut (optional)

Line a 9x9 baking pan with waxed paper and set aside. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 4 or 5 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, vanilla and nuts until well blended. Pour into prepared pan and chill until set. Cut into squares and store in refrigerator.

Okay, now go make some chocolate-y fudge goodness for your family & friends! I've already bundled mine and dropped it off at the in-laws. Everyone I know loves it. Just don't tell them I've revealed my secret recipe... I might need it for future bribing rights! :)

It's Monday... How About Brunch at Saks?

Like most people, I hate Mondays! It's the beginning of another week in the corporate world, the beginning of limited sleep and the beginning of rushed nights - making dinner, cleaning around the house and trying to work up the energy to come and post, let alone, make some more items!

So, to escape my Monday blues, I wandered on over and had Brunch at Saks. Okay, so not literally, as I live in Eastern Ontario, nestled in the countryside and can't seem to find a Saks Fifth Avenue in sight! But, my wandering eye did venture on over to the Brunch at Saks blog, where I perused the blog of Annemarie - reading up on contemporary and classic elements of home decor, fashion and entertaining.

 Brunch at Saks

I won't say to much more, but go and check it out! I'm definitely placing it on my must read list for future entertainment and day dreaming.

Hope you have a great week!

It's "Favorites Friday"!

It's Favorites Friday again, and as promised, I have came up with another list of my favorite things. This week I decided to pick my favorite places I have traveled. I have only been within Canada and the U.S., so this list isn't too comprehensive - but still great getaways for a weekend trip. I insist you visit one next time your looking to escape or get away!

1. Lake Placid, New York

2. Mont Tremblant, Quebec


3. Burlington, Vermont


4. Old Montreal, Quebec


5. Bar Harbor, Maine

 

And that's my list for "Favorite Fridays". Have a great weekend everyone, I can't wait for tonight - I'm going to pick up my niece and have her for the whole weekend - Christmas presents, shopping and cooking are on the menu, amongst some relaxation. It's been a while since we've had her spend the night at our place, so I'm definitely excited!! Hope your weekend is just as fun!