Christmas Ideas- Blog #5

Holiday Decorating Idea of the Day:

Another work in progress! I call this my whimsical decor.  I just got started on it and it still has a long way to go.  I will be adding some Polka Dot Ribbon and some little twinkle lights.  And whatever else I find along the way.  The adorable Christmas Trees were given to me by my cousin Susan Shuey.   I believe they came from

The Boutique de Noel in Shreveport which by the way is coming up real soon.

A Williamsburg Christmas

Thursday, November 19th – Saturday, November 21st

Bossier Civic Center

THE PINK MONOGRAM
I've posted a few items but this is another one of those stores that you just have to settle in and stay a while.  So wait until your in the mood because you really could get some Christmas Shopping done.
GET READY FOR SOME CUTENESS IN THIS LITTLE BOUTIQUE
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/


Monogrammed Shoes

Any and every color!

CAR MATS

NEEDLE POINT SHOES

MY FAVS ARE THE FROGS AND FLUER DE LIS

Godiva Chewy Turtle Tarts

Ok, I know this recipe looks a bit time consuming but if you have ever had any sort of dessert with Godiva Chocolate you know that it is well worth the time.  There are easier recipes so I have provided you this link for you to see for yourself.

http://www.godiva.com/recipes/recipe_zoom.aspx?id=517

Yield: 6 servings

Difficulty: **Intermediate
Preparation: 2 hours and 15 minutes plus cooking, baking and cooling times
Special Equipment: Six 3 1/2-inch nonstick tartlet pans; 3 3/4-inch round cutter

11 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons ground pecans (ground in food processor)
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour


Caramel Filling:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream
Chocolate Ganache:
2 bars (1.5 ounces each) Godiva Dark Chocolate, finely chopped
6 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
Candied Pecans:
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup pecans

Make tart shells:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar in bowl until light, using electric mixer at high speed. Beat in ground pecans, then egg, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Add flour at low speed, mixing just until combined. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thick. Using 3 3/4-inch round cutter, cut out 6 circles from dough. Place one dough circle in each tart pan and gently press dough onto bottom and up sides of pan. Using paring knife, trim off excess dough. Cover with round of wax or parchment paper and fill with rice or beans to weigh down dough while baking. Arrange tart pans on baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove shells from pans and cool completely.
Make caramel filling:
Place 1 tablespoon butter and granulated sugar in heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is light brown and fragrant. Add remaining ingredients (including remaining butter) and mix well. Bring to boil and cook 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately divide mixture among tart shells. Let cool completely.
Make chocolate ganache:
Place chocolate in medium bowl. Pour heavy cream into heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Pour cream over chocolate and mix until smooth. Stir in butter until smooth. Let cool for about 5 minutes.Pour ganache over caramel filling in each tart shell, dividing it evenly.
Make candied pecans:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place corn syrup in small microwavable container and microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds or until very warm. Place pecans in small bowl. Pour warm corn syrup over pecans and toss until fully coated. Arrange pecans on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Cool and set aside until ready to use.
Garnish edge of each tart with candied pecans. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

http://www.endless.com/

SKECHERS-THE NEW TREND IN FITNESS

Now these are around $100.00 bucks but there is another brand that cost about $250.00.  I could not make myself do it.   COMFY!!!!

FREE SHIPPING COMING AND GOING

PLOW AND HEARTH

http://www.plowhearth.com/welcome.asp

Softie Wrap $39.95

http://www.plowhearth.com/welcome.asp

Wrap Yourself In Cozy, Quilted Softness and it can be monogramed and gift wrapped,

You won't believe how cozy our Softie Wrap is until you try it on! Step into the quilted cotton blanket and zip it up, then pull the "cape" over your shoulders and zip it up for adjustable warmth that stays put! Use it as a couch throw, too. Machine-washable 100% cotton micro-twill exterior is lined with micro-plush. 100% polyester fill. Two-way zipper. Imported.
Available Colors
Brick
Chocolate
Navy
Size 6" x 68" when open

Banjees™ Reversible Wrist Wallet-$14.95
I have been looking for something like this when I run or bike.
This is perfect!

http://www.plowhearth.com/product.asp?section_id=0&department=0&search_type=normal&search_value=banjee&cur_index=&pcode=8090

Perfect for exercise or travel
When you don't want the hassle of a purse or wallet, the Banjees reversible wrist wallet is the perfect way to carry your money, ID, or house key. An in-seam zipper keeps your valuables secure, especially handy when you're traveling. It will hold a digital music player and a credit when you step out for an evening stroll or take a trip to the gym. One side features a bright, vibrant print, while the other side has a more subdued solid color, so you can match your mood or your attire.
Convenient protection for your valuables when you're on-the- go
Zippered pocket to secure items
Reversible from print to solid
95% polyester, 5% spandex
Measures 4" x 3.5" x .25"
Available Colors
Black Orbital
Black Zebra
Brown Paisley
Pink Flower
Hot Pink Paisley
Turquoise Wave

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA FOR KIDS
My brother and I use to have one of these when we were growing up.  My mom would send us to the garage with all our supplies and we would feed the entire neighborhood. Brings back fond memories of our growing up. 
Cotton Candy Maker

List Price: $49.99
http://www.amazon.com/Nostalgia-CCM505-Cotton-Candy-Maker/dp/B0000AR7OR

Well that's it for the day. Another full week-end of some good Football. Thanks to all of you who sent well wishes for my surgery. Hard to believe that I was just having surgery 24 hours ago. GUESSING YOU WILL RUN ACROSS A FEW TYPOS AND MISTAKES. THE HAPPY PILLS HAVE GOT ME A LITTLE FUZZY.

Remember your "TO DO LIST" Have a great week-end.