Aspen Trees

I just love Aspen Trees.  This little grove caught my eye, and my imagination.  Can you see anything in the bark patterns?

This reminds me of Bev Doolittle.  Her art is amazing.  One of her pieces is of a man on a horse in an aspen grove.  In the aspen grove are hidden images.   It is entitled Sacred Ground.  How many things do you see?

I hope you all had a magical Christmas.  

Peace,
Kay

Hot Chocolate - sometimes referred to as Mexican Hot Chocolate

O.k., so I'm no pro.  But I think I clearly got the message across!

If you haven't added cinnamon to your hot chocolate give it a try.  You'll love it!

You will Need:
Hot chocolate mix
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Whipped Cream (optional but oh so yummy)
Chocolate shavings (optional but oh so yummy)

As per the directions on the hot chocolate mix, prepare a cup (or however much you want to make) of hot chocolate.    Once the hot chocolate is made, remove from heat and add the cinnamon, vanilla and almond extract.  

For every cup of hot chocolate, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla.  If you want a nutty flavor add just a drop or two of almond extract.  Start with this amount and play around with how much you add -- you'll find the perfect amount for your taste buds.

Serve in mugs. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  

Peace,

Kay

WOYWW 185

Hello Wednesday.  The  best day to visit  blogs and check out the creative spaces of some of the most brilliant crafters around (the world).  It all starts at Stamping Ground, thanks to Julia, our hostess.  Join in the fun. 

The realtor came over last Friday and took photos of my place.  If you want to see what my little condo looks like go HERE.  Wish me luck.  Unfortunately, keeping it tidy means that papercrafting and mixed media canvases have taken a back seat (for now).

Here's my workdesk this week.

Yep, I made some Peppermint Bark.  It's super simple and makes the perfect gift for friends that have a sweet tooth, co-workers, neighbors (and my postman is getting some too).  

Here's what I did.

Microwave 1 cup of milk chocolate chips.  Start with one minute, stir, and continue in 20 second increments until the chocolate is nice and creamy.  Spread on a cookie sheet that is lined with parchment paper.  Stick in the refrigerator.

Get some peppermint candy canes, put them in a baggie, and hammer them to pieces.  This works quite well in helping de-stress from a day at work.

Using a double broiler, melt one cup of white chocolate chips, stirring as needed.  I tried doing the white chips in the microwave and they didn't melt -- very strange.  Take the cookie sheet out of the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate on top.  Sprinkle the peppermint pieces onto the white chocolate and pat down gently.  Stick the cookie sheet back in the refrigerator.

The next day I used a metal spatula to break up the bark.  It's not supposed to be nice squares so don't fret.

I was able to fill three of these little Martha Stewart boxes and have just a tad bit left over.  I stuck the boxes in the refrigerator until I'm ready to give.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas!

As always, I will try my best to visit those that end in the same number as me and also those that visit me (please leave your number).  

Peace,
Kay

Wreaths Across America

On December 15, volunteers—with the help of Wreaths Across America — lay wreaths to honor our nations Veterans.  Thousands of wreaths were placed on national cemeteries throughout the country.  

This is at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It's amazing to see.  This was taken on Sunday by a friend of mine.  The new snow adds just the right touch.

 My friend laying a wreath on her father's grave.

We all need to take the time to thank our service members and their families.  Their dedication to home and country is amazing.  

Peace,
Kay