Easy Baked Cheese & Vegetable Twist recipe at Kraftfoods.com

Easy Baked Cheese & Vegetable Twist recipe at Kraftfoods.com

This sounds delicious and is getting rave reviews. I might just have to try it for New Years.

Merry Christmas to all!

Well country friends, here we are only two days until Christmas and like you, I still have still have so much to do before Santa comes. My clients are keeping me very busy and for that I am extremely greatful, however I won't have time to post to you again until after the holiday, so I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a joyous holiday. If you are travelling, please stay safe. I'll see you all again after Christmas!

Thanks to Crows Creek Primitives for the beautiful vintage card.

**hugs to all**

Primitive Decorating Tip from Pumpkin House Primitives

If you have never had the opportunity to visit Pumpkin House Primitives in Hurricane, WV, then you are missing a prim lovers treat. Patty Hager, Owner of Pumpkin House Primitives has been a friend and client of mine now for many years. We met when I owned The Country Register of PA/WV and we are still friends today. Patty is just one of those people who you enjoy knowing. She's talented, and is one of the warmest people that I have ever known and her warmth reflects in her shop. Her personality is all through Pumpkin House Primitives. 

Decorating Tips from The Pumpkin Queen

We love simple here at Pumpkin House Primitives. With this in mind I shall share a few simple decorating tips with you for the season. For a beautiful table display make a statement if you have one of your large wood trenchers and fill it with brightly colored large balls and sprigs of greenery and a big candle in the middle. Whatever you do make it big because the bigger the container you are using the more things you must add to make it balanced. Read Patty's Full Column Here

Our tree

Can you believe that Christmas is only one week away? I cannot believe it. Hubby and I are going Christmas Shopping this evening and it's supposed to snow so that should be fun. I enjoy the crazieness of last minute shopping.

Do you light your Christmas tree during the day? I do. I enjoy every minute of it that I can. My studio is in the loft where I'm working this morning  so I have a perfect view of our tree. I thought that I would share it with you all and a photo of our home. Today is my daughter's last day of school andthen she's off  for Christmas break. I always enjoy having her home. Have a wonderful day and for those of you who are out Christmas shopping, please be careful.

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Free Tip of the Week - Gooseberry Patch

Another great tip from Gooseberry Patch. What a festive
way to greet visitors during the holiday season.

Free Tip of the Week - Gooseberry Patch

Delicious Gift Ideas!

Do you still need some great gift ideas? Kraft offers some delectable suggestions. I noticed some great ones for my daughter's teachers.

Top10 gifts hero

Make your own Orange Spice Potpourri

Make your own refreshing orange spice potpourri!


Breathe easy with this pleasantly scented Orange spice potpourri craft. It's an economical way to create many small Christmas gifts that let people know you're thinking of them. (i.e. mail carrier, hairdresser)....more
Orange Spice Potpourri - Kaboose.com

Primitive Antique Santa with Snow Baby

We fell in love with Panda Country Primitives  Antique Santa.

What a sweet collectible this is! Holding a tiny, 3" snow baby in his right arm, this hand-made 9" Santa has so much old-world charm! Crimped wool beard, sculpted face and a well-loved look! Irresistible!

Caring for your Real Christmas Tree

Now you have that beautiful, fresh Christmas Tree. The National Christmas Tree Association
wants to help you to keep your Christmas Tree as fresh as possible.

National Christmas Tree Association: Tree Care Tips

Tired of Charger Cord Clutter?

If you're like me you have cell charger cords sitting on your kitchen counter, either that or no one knows where
their chargers are! If everyone in the family has a cell phone and an Ipod, it can get pretty messy. Check out this
homemade charger station from DIY. Cute and clever.

Storage Tip of the Week - Do It Yourself

DelicousFour-Layer Dessert -Only 200 calories!

How often to you find such a scrumptuous dessert with only 200 calories?! Try this delicous four-layer dessert from Kraft. Enjoy!

Four-Layer Dessert recipe at Kraftfoods.com

My Holiday Tradition - The Oglebay Festival of Lights

Every family has tradition, and most family traditions center around Christmas time. My family is no different. Every year, when it starts getting cold, one thing I look forward to is going to the Oglebay Festival of Lights. We have been going since I can remember, and I still love them every year.

The nation’s largest light show is a six-mile drive and a magical experience. The drive begins at gingerbread booths and tunnels of falling snowflakes. Many amazing displays, children and fairy tales, traditional holiday symbols, and everything you could imagine lay in the 125 acres.

My favorites are Willard the Snowman, named after Willard Scott who first threw the switch in 1986 and the large Cinderella display. A horse drawn carriage racing to a large castle, complete with a clock tower was one of my favorites since I was little. My mom loves the animated deer in the woods and the sixty foot Poinsetta Wreath while my dad like

We made a game of trying to find the new display each time we go. This year, the new displays will be made with LED lights and they will begin to convert the older displays to LED. The new

lights will last five times longer and use more than 80% less energy than the traditional bulbs.

Don’t forget to check out the life-sized nativity scene. The figures are so realistic and the costumes are beautiful. It takes my breath away every time I see it. It’s the perfect way to finish your visit.

Make your own tradition and visit the Festival. It's a holiday dream world come true.

Visit Oglebay's website for more information. There is a video on here.

Adorable Free Feather Tree Pattern by Countryberries Designs

For those of you who may not be familiar with The Country Register, it is a bi-monthly specialty publication  bimonthly specialty newspaper for Country, Victorian, Hand-crafts, Antiques, Specialty Gift shops and related businesses. There is a country register in almost every state in the US as well as several provinces in Canada. The beauty of the Country Register is that it's very targeted. What I mean by that is everyone who picks up the paper is already interested in the country, primitive, antique, specialty market, so advertisers enjoy fabulous results. We can't say that about our local paper can we? Not to mention that the Editors work very hard to distribute the papers throughout their perspective state and each advertiser receives a supply of Country Registers for their shop patrons. What a fabulous way to advertise and I can tell you from experience that folks hang onto copies for years because of the wonderful recipes, articles and tips. If you have never had the pleasure of reading a copy, check out their website. Many of the editors feature their current issue online where you can download their latest issue.

It's so surprise that so many of the Country Register Editors are talented. Kathleen Graham, publisher of The Country Register of New Hampshire is no exception. Katleen enjoys drawing adorable primitive patters that  are printed in many editions of The Country Register. You can find out more about Kathleen and download her adorable feather tree pattern on The Country Register website. Enjoy!

Adorable Primitive Snowman Sheep Print

Primitive Framed Snowman Sheep Print

I just love this charming snowman print at Gingerbread Junction Country Store. Now wouldn't this be adorable hanging with your holiday decor? I would keep it up until Spring. It would be perfect in my dining room.

"Primitive Framed Snowman Sheep Print with a 2" thick distressed dark burgundy frame. Entire picture is 11-1/2" tall and 13" wide with glitter accents on trees and on the print itself in certain areas. " Only $21.95! This would make a nice gift.  If you have me on your list...check me off. :) lol


Marlene invites you to visit Gingerbread Junction Country Store in Oakdale, PA. If you're not nearby, Marlene has a brad new online store filled with primitive decor and gifts. Take a look!

No Pudge Fudge - Guilt Free Brownies!

I am a confessed chocoholic and I was definitely in my happy place when I found No Pudge Fudge at our local Kroger's. Just fat free yogurt added to the brownie mix and you have mouth-watering, guilt-free
chocolate brownies! No kidding! I don't kid about chocolate!

They make a great gift. Last year I made up a little gift basket for a friend. Now she wants the same thing this year, but our local Kroger's is no longer carrying No Pudge. Panic!
Can you hear me crying? Never fear - they have a website! Try them. They're delicous.

No Pudge Fudge

Ready to Wrap? - Gooseberry Patch

Ready to Wrap? - Gooseberry Patch


One of the reasons we love Gooseberry Patch so much is their wonderful, creative tips. What great,
fun ways to wrap gifts for the holidays with the personal touch.

How to Straighten Taper Candles

To straighten taper candles that have lost their shape.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees....place empty cookie sheet in preheated oven for 3-5 mins....remove cookie sheet from oven & place on flat surface....immediately start gently rolling candle back & forth on cookie sheet until straightened....works awesome!

From Deb Fuller
The Weathered Shack Outback