Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a blessed, peaceful Christmas filled with new memories...and may your hearts hold old memories dear to you !

Shel x

Let it snow, let it snow!

This was my "rather crook'ed" attempt at Monique's exquisite minitures....even though mine aren't perfect...Monique.♥ , you have inspired and encouraged me so this year...thank you for all your gracious comments and beautiful emails.

May your Christmas be filled with love, family and all that's good!

I made these for each of my little Godchildren who will be joining me on Christmas Day!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since we've no place to go,

Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

                                                            When we finally kiss goodnight,
                                                            How I'll hate going out in the storm!
                                                            But if you'll really hold me tight,
                                                            All the way home I'll be warm.

                                                                The fire is slowly dying,
                                                                And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
                                                                But as long as you love me so,
                                                                Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

 Please check Monique's ♥ beautiful  post here.......http://latabledenana.blogspot.com/2010/12/gingerbread-coffee-mug-houses.html

See you soon!
Shel x

Sunday Reflection ..food for my soul ♥

"Our spirits carrying with them dreams of flowers"......William Wordsworth..

Mom's Shortbread Recipe.♥

The Recipe ♥

Mix 2 cups of AP flour sieved

with 2 cups of Cornstarch sieved .

Add 1 cup of sieved Icing Sugar

Then rub in 1 pound of butter.

Pat into a swiss roll tin.

Bake at 150 degree C for 1 and half hours

Sprinkle with Castor sugar and cut.

This is the little tin that my mom always put her shortbread in

...♥

Day of Reconciliation Brunch!

A sprinkle of whimsy, a dash of fantasy and a load of memories all make for the perfect Day of Reconciliation here in South Africa...... 16th December is remembered.....

Detail of the Christmas Tablecloth from Germany....

Detail of the Christmas Cookie Jar Carousel....

My garland brought back by my dear friend Sharon after her year's stint in Germany....

And on the Solomon Menu!

It's Christmas, filled with tradition, time to bring out the vintage pieces....lace....mismatched silver....and china!
Fittingly, this is Paragon,...Fantasy design!
I'm linking to Tablescape Thursday at Susan...won't you join me here..http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ and
Sherry at http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/ for beautiful inspiration too!

Loads of blessings!
Shel xx

The Keeper of the Dutch Fudge Recipe!

This is a recipe from way back in my family....the way my parents used to make "Melk Tammeletjies"!

I have made it for the Christmas Cookie Jar this year....

Here's the recipe!

In a large pot, combine:

1 tin of condensed milk

1 tin of water (the condensed milk tin)

4 cups of sugar

250g butter! (no substitutes)

Bring to the boil and cook for about 35 minutes whilst stirring until your hand almost drops off!

The colour will become a glorious golden brown.

Take off the heat and add 1 tsp lemon essence and stir vigorously!

Pour into a well greased pan. Cut into small squares before set!

And here's my Christmas Cookie Jar!

 filled with yummy, buttery fudge....

I wonder just how long this will last!

Special little elves came to visit!

Happy Holidays!

Shel x

I am linking to.http://redcouchrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/12/its-your-wonderful-life-party-and.html

Please join me there for more delicious recipes.

Christmascape at my water feature.....food for my soul!

I'm trying a few tablescapes for Christmas. This nostalgic one in blue and white is at my new water feature.

Serene, cool, calming and comforting...

Silver, white and blue!

        
                                  Aqua glassware and 'fynbos' bauble!

Tablecloth and napkin from my mom♥

                                                  

Layering of plates.....

                        And the most delicate African Angel..........

All make for a special African Christmas of fond memories!

Surely there is something in

the unruffled calm of nature that overawes

our little anxieties and doubts:

the sight of the deep-blue sky,

and the cluster of stars above,

seems to impart quiet to the mind.       ~ Jonathan Edwards.

See you soon!

Shel

I'm linking to Susan at http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for Tablescape Thursday!

 Please join me.