Countdown to Christmas Day 1

Welcome to Day 1 to the Countdown to Christmas posted annually since 2012. Highlighted during the event are thrift shop rescued CDs. I try to include a YouTube video of the CDs, if any exist. My holiday version of the Simply Delightful Thrifted Ball Gown. The updated Candy Cane Lane of our outdoor decor. My attempts at Christmas craphts from the 1997 publications of How to Do Christmas Florals if you Think You Can't, and Simply Christmas, Craft Projects for the Season of Giving. 

Upcoming posts include Holiday Weird and Wacky, Creative Christmas Clothing, and Creepy Santas day. 

I completed the Poinsettia rug skirt, finally binding the canvas to the back. Because of a certain critter in our house (cough cough Belle the destroyer) we do not have a tree inside.

What I am Listening to - 2011 White Christmas, A Traditional Christmas. 

An adorable mini-quilt was listed for sale on eBay. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/187616503037

Baby costume sewing pattern too cute for school! 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/187566098426

Ending the post with the recipe for the Mr.'s favorite cookie.  

COCONUT CHERRY MACAROONS

2/3 cup shortening

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. almond extract

1/2 tsp. lemon rind

1 egg

Mix until well blended. Add.

1-3/4 cups cake flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. soda

Blend thoroughly. Add.

1/2 cup cherries

3/4 cup shredded coconut

Drop by small scoop onto parchment paper on cookie sheet. Bake 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. 

Bluey Baby Shower Day Of

I spent all afternoon in the kitchen the day before the shower. First, I prepared the fruit salad which consisted of watermelon, pineapple chunks, green grapes, blueberries, apples, and strawberries. 

Next came the homemade lasagna, I had followed this Delish YouTube tutorial. 

Then with the oven still hot, I made coconut cherry macaroon cookies, the devil's food sheet cake (cake mix with homemade frosting), and my fruitcakes for Christmas. One big change to the fruitcake, rather than wrap the sherry-soaked cheesecloth cakes in foil, I vacuum packed them. They will reside in the frig for the next 2 months. 

All went well with about 25 in attendance. Lots of disposable diapers received. 

The piece de resistance the baby heart quilt. She received lots of onesies and baby shirts. 

Baby clothes sewing to follow. Things seem to be coming together for the little girl's arrival.