Is it really that time of year???

Yes folks, the holiday season is upon us. Last year I went for a "frugal hand made" Yule and for the most part we did well. This year we are going for "the economy is even worse than last year and most of my clients have gone out of business so I am screwed" Yule.

So what is the plan??? I think I will make a few batches of various beverages and get everyone plastered!! That way no one will notice that they didn't get a real present and won't care that our economy has tanked.

As for the children, well, I am still working on that.....

Yule Gift Ideas - Paper

You know me, I love my paper crafts!!

Paper Roses

Paper Lilies

Flower Box

White Flower Bouquet

Pinwheels

Yule Gift Ideas - Photography

Magnetic Photo Bookmarks

Photo Pencil Covers

Wine Glass Photo Frames

Coloring Books from Photos

Photo Cube

Mailable Mosaic

Shrinky Dink Jewelry

Photo Puzzle Blocks

A Very Musical Yule

Well, the theme wasn't intentional but there was a musical theme none the less!!! I must have been in a musical mood when I bought everything!

Because we didn't have enough musical instruments in our house before!!!!!!! LOL

Drake got a set of bongos and used his Christmas money to buy himself a new guitar which he really needed because he had outgrown the little half size one he has been trying to play on!!

Kyllian got a didgeridoo and Wii Music.

I got a Tenor recorder and a flute. (Those were actually birthday presents but it all runs together!!)

And to round out he musical Yule....we got Rock Band.



































I apologize for the crappy pictures. However I am not sorry enough to go retake them. (One, who is blind as a bat without her glasses, really should wear them while trying to use the high maintenance camera!!!)

Coquito (Vegan)

Coconut Egg Nog

16 oz Silken Tofu (actually two of the tetra pack silken tofu would work better, my store didn't have it today)
2 cans (15ish oz) coconut milk (not lite)
1 cup coconut rum (optional)
16 oz cream of coconut
an ample amount of freshly grated nutmeg
a dash of allspice

Place all ingredients except rum in a blender and blend until smooth. Whisk in rum and chill well.

For a large party I double the recipe and add in a half gallon of vanilla soy milk to extend it.

HYGD Sugar Plum Fairy Party

I love the shot of the Super Mouse Game. Those poor girls!!! They were good sports. You should have seen the look on their face when we walked up holding 100 super mice and three hats!

Duh, Duh, Duh, DUUUUMMMM

Winter Solstice Menu for Mosaic

Holiday Chicken Salad on Endive leaves

Avocado Egg Salad on mini croissants

Hummus and Chips

Grape tomatoes, baby carrots and green and red grapes

Christmas Dip and crackers

Pecan Pie Bars

Pumpkin Bread

Coquito - I actually have my own recipe for a vegan version that I will make instead.

More Christmas Lyrics

Papa Noel by Brenda Lee

Hey Beau, let's go and get pirogue and push-pole down the bayou,
I want to see the Christmas Tree, dance o- fais dodo.
Have a big time and cut a shine, where all will be gay-o
Oh, Santa Claus will come tonight, down on the bayou.

Papa Noel will bring the bells and all will be gay-o
I'm gonna be at the Christmas tree with my ma chère ami-o
So ring the chimes, it's Christmas time and pick the old banjo
Oh, Santa Claus will come tonight, down on the bayou.

--- Instrumental ---

See ma Nannan and ma Parrain, I know they'll all be there-o,
See Ol' Quelqu'un and Mamoun, Bébé and Jo-Jo,
See Jolivet oh my sweet pet and get me some sugar,
Oh, Santa Claus will come tonight, down on the bayou.

So roll the rug, let's kiss and hug and let's all be gay-o,
A merry Christmas to you all and a happy bonne année-o
I'm gonna dance all through the night, 'til daylight with my babe-o,
Oh, Santa Claus will come tonight, down on the bayou.

--- Instrumental ---

Dionne wants a push-y-on, a pistolette and yo-yo,
My Jolivet, oh my sweet pet, Lord cher ami-o,
Oh Auntie Luce will cook the goose, and she will serve the gumbo,
Oh, Santa Claus will come tonight, down on the bayou.

Papa Noel will bring the bells and all will be gay-o
I'm gonna be at the Christmas tree with my ma cher ami-o
So ring the chimes, it's Christmas time and pick the old banjo
Oh, Santa Claus will come tonight, down on the bayou...