A Very Merry Holiday!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Although the holidays can be a hard time for some, it is also a wonderful time for giving, meaningful gatherings, and beautiful, one-of-a kind decor.  I love the organic trimmings - evergreen boughs, pine cones, poinsettia's, amaryllis, rosemary plants - it was said a long time ago that the baby Jesus' clothes were dried on a rosemary bush and smelling rosemary during the Christmas season would bring good luck.  Whatever your style and tradition for decoration during the holiday season it should be an exciting time reflecting on the past, present and future!

Here are some photos of my holiday trimmings! I love the vibrant traditional holiday colors of red, green & gold because of the warm vibe the colors give to the space.

Here are some other design inspirations I love!

*Holiday Glamour*

(makinglemonadeblog.com)

*Modern Farmhouse Holiday*

(Ourfauxfarmhouse - Instagram)

(diynetwork.com)

*Traditional Holiday Decor*

(homedit.com)

(Frontgate)

Finally, I'm going to try a new recipe this holiday, and if it turns out, it will be part of a gift!

CROCK POT CANDIED PECANS

(Source: Family Fresh Meals)

1 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Brown sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp Cinnamon

1 Egg white

2 tsp Vanilla

4 Cups Pecans (or almonds, cashews or walnuts)

1/4 Cup Water

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg white and vanilla until it becomes a little frothy.

3. Place pecans into a slow cooker prepared with cooking spray. Pour egg white mixture over pecans and stir until nuts are evenly coated.

4. Next sprinkle cinnamon sugar over pecans, and stir until nuts are all coated well with sugar.  Cook covered on LOW for 3 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.  When 20 minutes are left, pour 1/4 cup of water into the crock pot and stir.  This will make the outer shell nice and crunchy.

5. When cooking time is up, spread nuts out on a cookie sheet to cool for 15-20 minutes.

Place pecans in a holiday bag or jar for a gift!