Our Christmas Day News

We had such a fantastic Christmas yesterday! We had 17 people at our house for breakfast from both sides of the family, and my son Lucas had a very special announcement.

Yes, we are expecting Baby number 2 in July! We go for a scan on Friday to find out a due date, and so we are all very excited. I cannot wait to start up another pregnancy scrapbook- I guess this means I will be frantically trying to get Lucas' albums up to date over the holidays! I hope to be able to share my pregnancy layouts with you all as the year progresses.

Food: Ginger, Cranberry and Pistachio Fudge plus free recipe card!

If you are looking for an impressive, easy food gift for neighbours, teachers or friends, this fudge is a fantastic option. It is very yummy but does not take a long time to make, and even the kids can get involved! Plus, I have put it into an easy printable 4x6 recipe card so that you can give the recipe to any lucky recipients of this fudge!

You will need:

2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup milk
100g butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
250g pack of Gingernut biscuits
70g packet shelled pistachios
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Grease a shallow 9x13 tin and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat combine the sugar, condensed milk, milk, butter and golden syrup.

Stir occasionally until thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

Fold in Gingernuts, pistachios and cranberries.

Pour into the prepared tin and put into the fridge to chill.

Then cut into squares when set and enjoy!

This fudge is very gingery and not too sweet, so it is great for those who don't like chocolate or prefer something small and moreish to go with a cup of coffee.

December Daily

The first of December is here! This year I have decided to do an album for the December Daily- a concept you can read more about over at Ali Edward's blog:
http://aliedwards.com/projects/december-daily

The idea of the December Daily is to chronicle your life throughout December and do a page for each day. The pages do not always have to be Christmas related (although a majority of mine are) and you can do as many or as little photos as you like. The journalling is the most important part of this book.

My album will be a simple 8x8 album using the retired Winter Wonderland 8x8 Quick Kit by Creative Memories, which is a lovely blue, red and grey Christmas theme. I will endeavour to post my week's layouts when I can, depending on when I can get photos printed to complete the layouts. Since the album only has a set number of pre-designed pages, I am doing the first 24 days of December.

My December Daily list is as follows:

1-Putting up the advent calendar

2- My niece Lydia’s school Gala

3-Santa picture 2011

4- Santa Parade

5-Mailing out Christmas cards

6-My Christmas wish list

7- Creative Memories Wednesday night workshop

8- Mainly Music break-up

9- CM/Parent’s Centre Christmas Dinners

10-Watching Christmas movies

11-Creative Memories Sunday workshop

12-Shopping for tree decorations

13-Christmas haircuts

14- Westpac Christmas Carols at The Hub

15-Baking for the neighbours

16-Santa’s grotto with mother-in-law

17- Emillie’s birthday

18- My son Lucas’ birthday

19- Putting up the tree

20-The weather for Christmas week (from the newspaper)

21-My favourite Christmas music

22-Christmas food shopping- add grocery list

23-Wrapping the presents

24- Church Christmas Eve Storytelling evening

I hope this list gives you some great ideas. Have fun creating your December Daily!