Christmas Books and Magazines

At this time of year I’m always tempted to add a few more favorites to my burgeoning collection of Christmas books and magazines. 

I’ve been enjoying the Taste of Home magazine lately, so when I saw this Taste of Home Christmas book on Amazon for a good price, I ordered it for my collection.  There are several recipes I want to try (honey barbequed wings, Tijuana tidbits, candied cherry nut bars and several others).  The Winter Wonderland Coasters are a cute craft and they should be a great conversation starter made with old family Christmas photos.

My Christmas book collection includes Gooseberry Patch Christmas books 1-14 (this year’s issue #15 is on my wish list) and some special issues like the recent addition shown above.

This contains so many great projects like vintage handkerchief pillows, dish towel apron, cute wrapping and wreath ideas and lots of recipes. 

The November/December issue of Southern Lady magazine is full of elegant décor and entertaining ideas, plus luscious recipes and travel features. 

Tea Time magazine is a one of my favorite subscription magazines and their November/December 2013 issue is lovely.  I like their recipes with tea sommelier food and tea pairings.  I’m looking forward to baking the cinnamon-date scones from this issue.

King Arthur Flour catalog is a great free Christmas idea and recipe source.  I’d like to order some Espresso Powder and Vermont Cheese Powder from King Arthur, as well as try their recipe for Cheddar-Cranberry Soda Bread.  If you’re looking for scone baking pans and mixes – they have them.

Do you like to pick up holiday books and magazines too?

Tea Party Napkin Folding

These pretty napkin folds would be perfect for a holiday tea party.

I’m going to start practicing my favorites now, so I’ll be ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas tablescapes.  How about you – do you use any of these special napkin folds?

Floating Tea Strainer

Check out this interesting tea strainer on CubeMe. 

This looks like it would be fun and mess free to use.  Also easy to clean and nice for travel. It comes in lots of cute colors (blue, yellow, pink, lavender) and is available on Amazon (a little pricey at $15.68).  It is also available at tea shops such as Two Leaves Tea Company and others.

 

Tea Quote

Surely everyone is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a wintry fireside; candles at four o’clock, warm hearthrugs, tea, a fair tea-maker, shutters closed, curtains flowing in ample draperies to the floor, whist the wind and rain are raging audibly without.

-  Thomas De Quincey

Looks Hair Salon - Fall Hair & Fashion Show

What a lovely warm fall day to enjoy an outdoor fall hair and fashion show at Mayor’s Walk in Locust Grove, GA.

Looks Hair Salon did the hair (gorgeous shades of red) and makeup for the models.  Fashions were provided by Dress Barn. 

I arrived early (as always ☺) and enjoyed a latte from the French Market while I waited for the show to begin.

 Loved the animal print skirt and ankle boots.  This was one of my favorite haircuts.

Great look for the business woman.

What a pretty color sweater – looks nice with the short leather jacket.

Really like this warm weather look.  Great neutral colors.

Pretty casual look – nice boots and scarf.  The shorter hair cut and red color look great on her.

Her hair cut, color and style is pretty and the casual warm weather outfit nice too.

 Cute short cut and I like this color of red hair.

Another great casual look.  This models long hair with red highlights was delightful.  That super big handbag is just what I need.

Love the grey and black color blocked dress and grey pumps.

This was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.  Looks Salon provided goodie bags with coupons and store info.  I’ll be getting my hair cut at Looks Salon next week.  I think I’ll also be checking out the fashions at Dress Barn soon too.