Weekend Wrap Up

I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend and that you are keeping warm with the Artic Front that has impacted so much of the United States.  It's a toasty 28 degrees here in Texas!

This weekend was the first weekend in a LONG time that we didn't have one thing planned and it was a very nice break.  We did manage to get a few things accomplished, but really just enjoyed our time together.

I did a few jalks in this weekend and my Lil Man went with me and I only had to ask him ONCE!  Best jalking partner EVER!!!

 

Also, I was able to try out my Fitbit and I must say I'm LOVING it!  I'm especially loving it on the days that I hit my 10 THOUSAND step goal, but on the days I don't, I feel like a big bum.

The best part about Sundays in our home is that Big D always serves us breakfast in bed.  He definitely knows the way to my heart, feed me and tell me I'm pretty!  

 

I've decided to focus on ONE word this year instead of having resolutions and I chose the word "GIVE".  Give more to those I love, give more to strangers, and never, ever give up!  I think I can do it!

 

We have been living in plumbing hell and the contractors will be out tomorrow to layout a timeline for construction.  All other projects will be put on hold until the upstairs bathroom and plumbing issues are completed!  I'm sure my Lil Man is so ready to have his bathroom back and I am SO ready for him to have it back!  BOYS... UGH!!!

We did manage to complete a small project this weekend that I will be sharing this week, so be on the look out!

This post was a crazy, chaotic, mixed up post, but that's my life... Beautiful chaos and I love it!

 

OHHHH!!! And if you have not heard this song, get on it now!

 

Have an awesome week and check back for our latest project!

 

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Merry CHRISTmas from The Jones Family!

(Photo by Southern Grace Photography)

As you and your family celebrate this holiday season, we hope and pray that you have joy in your hearts, great family and friends to share it with, and good times that build warm memories. We pray that you are blessed with all you need and much, much more!

Thank you Lord for Blessing us with another Christmas. May you alone be the Reason for the Season!

Wishing you and your family a VERY Merry CHRISTmas!

Much Love,

Abel, Tiffany & Ashton

What a GREAT gift idea!

Little Birdie Secrets had this GREAT idea! A home-made hot cocoa mix and in the picture below, they found an electric milk frother at IKEA for $2.00! Score!

Here are further details she had posted on her blog...This simple hot cocoa mix is another great neighbor/co-worker gift that you can put together super fast. We used these mini "quilted" jars, mostly because they're just so little and cute, and because for one person, it provides several cups of cocoa. (One jar holds one cup of mix.) If you wanted to make some for a couple or family, try using a pint or quart jar. Just add more mix!

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
10 cups dry milk powder
4 3/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Store in a jar or airtight container.
Yields 15 cups (enough for 15 of the small jars pictured here).

To make the cocoa, stir 3 heaping Tablespoons into 3/4 c. hot water or milk. I always advise topping it off with whipped cream as well, but that's just me (and my sweet tooth).Cheater version: Buy the bulk size Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix at Costco or WalMart and add 3 teaspoons of flavored non-dairy creamer per serving to make a gourmet flavor (see below). Try the Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate mix plus a few teaspoons of Ghiradelli Sweetened Cocoa for a dark chocolate flavor. Go ahead--cut corners. It'll be our little secret..If you really want to make an impression, why not make gourmet hot chocolate flavors? Or add layers of sweet treats for a cool presentation.

Here are a few more ideas for truly gourmet hot cocoa:
*Substitute the non-dairy creamer with a flavored non-dairy creamer, like hazelnut, amaretto, vanilla, or cinnamon for gourmet flavors.
*Peppermint cocoa can be made by crushing candy canes and mixing them with the cocoa mix in your food processor (this makes the pieces even smaller so they blend well with the cocoa). Add a layer of crushed candy canes in the middle or on top of your mix to show off the flavor in the jar!

*Add a few teaspoons of instant coffee crystals per serving for mocha cocoa.
*Layer fun dry toppings with the cocoa mix in your jar. Try mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, red and green jimmies (sprinkles), or crushed candy canes.
*Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave and dip the head of a plastic spoon in it. When it dries, wrap the chocolate-covered head in a plastic or cello bag and tie with a ribbon. Attach it to your jar of hot chocolate to be used with the first cup. The chocolate will melt when they stir, adding a little extra creaminess!

Now for the jar…. All supplies are Stampin' Up! We traced the inside of the ring lid on the back of patterned paper, cut it out, and glued it to the top of the lid. Then we layered a strip of coordinating patterned paper on a piece of card stock and wrapped it around the jar, securing it with adhesive. We stamped tag stamp, layered it on card stock, and adhered it to the front. Then we tied a matching ribbon around the top and tied on a little tag with the instructions for mixing the cocoa (see above). Another classic idea is to put a square of Christmas fabric between the lid and the ring for an old-fashioned look.

Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows

I found this on Homemade By Jill's blog.

This is another "take" on the home-made version of Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows. What a great gift!

I really like how she packaged the marshmallows with cute labels...the recipe she used was from Your Heart Out.

Yummy!

3 Words... To Die For!

Check out this centerpiece... it is BEAUTIFUL!!

I just love the colors of the peacock feather and have one of my Christmas trees dedicated to these colors.

I was looking through the book Chambord Holiday Gift Set: “Have a Ball This Holiday Season" and saw this centerpiece and knew that I had to recreate it.

Looks like this will be my next project!!

AND... One last thing...

I can't mention Chambord and just leave you hanging...

Enjoy this recipe for a White Chocolate Raspberry Martini



1 part vanilla vodka
1/2 part Chambord
1/2 part white chocolate liqueur
Splash heavy cream
Swirl in a chocolate lined martini glass

& Enjoy!!

Slowly....

the Christmas decorations are popping up all around the house.

The first tree is done and it is one of my faves every year... I call it my peacock tree. You can't really tell from the photos, but the tree skirt has peacock feathers and the bow at the top has peacocks. I just LOVE it!! The colors are fun, non-traditional, but VERY fun!!



Just a fun shot of the "Peacock Tree"

A photo of our fireplace, with the picture of Santa that I bought at Kirklands a few years ago.

I think it's the perfect touch!!

We have had a rough week. My husband's grandfather died tragically and we have been grieving and making arrangements. Today was his Memorial and it was such a special reminder of what a kind man he was. I am praying for a better week and for the healing of the hearts of our family and friends that have been broken because of our loss.

Many blessings!

~Tiffany