SHEsaysWITHaSMILE.blogspot.com

like i was sayin'

the greatest gift of all time for me personally; retirement: getting to stretch out and do at my own pace what i always had to squeeze in and do in a hurry when i was working/commuting/raising children, etc.

the joy is back in everything!

and because i love creating the packaging for the cookies for my mom's annual party

because i did have the time! and energy! and inspiration!

well, pure joy! and what i did this year 

well, last year, my sexy and i purchased a dozen of these plastic champagne-shaped bottles at walmart that were full of miniture individually wrapped candies

so, i emptied all of those..   hid the candy in different drawers here and there

and snacked on them throughout the year..

and stored all the empty bottles just waiting for the cookie party

and then! i realized working with cardstock paper would be a little unnecessarily awkward, so i opted to paint foil Christmas tree colors, because it is so flexible and wraps easily

and then i adorned each Christmas tree champagne bottle with ribbon and sparkles

and "Thank You!" Deborah for gifting me with mini Christmas light necklaces

they were older, and so the batteries were dead.. instead of throwing them away, or using new batteries, they got recycled; repurposed, and help decorate the tree

perfect size!   and then had to put a star on top..   and we pre-checked with a jar of mini biscotti from cost-co, and sure enough!  i could get one dozen biscotti inside each container

blessed!

and, yes! getting to stretch out and do at my own pace "the baking!"

plus! we have double-ovens

i was burnt out on making the oatmeal, chocolate chip, walnut coconut cookies.. delicious yes, but i was looking for a new experience and new cookie..

i landed on biscotti, which i love, and knew from pictures i could make look extra Christmas-y and festive

"Thank you!" here to Kathy..   one of our sidewalk talks neighbors.. she gifted me with aniseed which was a stumbling block for me at the grocery store   -skipping long story here..

anyway..

i got to spend an entire day! in my studio 213 creating Christmas Tree Cookie Containers; one at a time.. own pace; own way..

and then, an entire day! good morning to good night, double-baking biscotti.. and then frosting each one individually and adding a little Christmas sprinkles

own pace; own way..

nothing but joy!

and, i actually saw a number of 'heart seens' during the baking process, but only a took a picture of a couple.  i will tell you though..  these cookies are anointed!   made with so much love..

and that's why i believe they taste so wonderful!  not just the physical ingredients; the spiritual ones

so, 

my mom has been hosting these Christmas brunch/Cookie Exchange Parties for over 30 years

and, sometimes I like my packaging idea, but am not so proud of my cookies;

sometimes the cookies turn out okay, but the packaging is boring..

this year, felt great about both: 

packaging & biscotti.

-sharing here, my packaging from 2020, which included painting/repurposing empty mixed nut containers from costco.     had a great time! but the party was covid-canceled, so i just ended up gifting them out individually.  it's so fun though..  and i am very grateful my mom throws this annual party.

 

this year, is the first time my daughter had to miss due to illness  -and she is always so much fun.. and brings fun friends..    so, want to pause here to say "thank you!" to her friends, who, even though they didn't come in person, stayed the course with the baking and contributed some delicious Christmas Cookies.   We missed having all three of you!    

and close here with a "Congratulations!" to my mom for a very successful Bruch & Cookie Exchange Party.   -That mixed berry french toast! with some fresh maple.. and the veggie egg casserole 

Encore & Mimosa Cheers to you!

and i love the annual visit with your cherished friends and neighbors

how you warm welcome new guests

your signature touches with the Christmas socks..   the gift exchange game.. the LCR...

it's the most wonderful time of the year!     Love You Mom

    

p.s.    most amazing, beautiful Christmas tree!  "Thank You!" for sharing...

Merry Christmas Bobbie!