Holiday goodies

We chose to make homemade goodies as most of our holiday gifts this year.

Less hassle, less shopping, more yummy goodness.

The Peppermint Bark has been my go-to staple for awhile now.

This is not that sickening-sweet-only-kids-can-enjoy-it stuff.

Oh no.

The decadent dark bittersweet chocolate center, laced with a bit of peppermint extract, elevate these squares to sublime melt-in-your-mouth adult minty-ness.

A bit more work than the other type.....but oh so worth it.

The Fudge Bars were a trial run this year.

They definitely made the cut for a repeat performance next year.

Don't skimp on the coarse salt on top.

It's what gets them that savory, sugary, crunchy, salty "wow" response with every bite.

What yummy things did you bake this year?

Simple Decorating

This year we're attempting to keep the holiday season simple and stress free.

So far so good............

It's still early though.

As December approached, the holiday decorating that loomed ahead just felt like "work" to us.

We think too much work is a really bad thing.

So we chose to do a lot less decorating this year than usual.

Believe it or not, our bathroom wall.....

I have well over 100 Santas.

This year less than 20 made it down from the attic.

No ornaments at all let Jeff's handmade twig star really "shine".

A pine cone wreath made from our own "homegrown" pine cones.

A few mini lights and greens fill that totally useless 7" above the cupboards.

Natural finds from the yard make a quick window treatment.

Let's pretend you don't see the ugly paved driveway.

For us, the end result was.....

Less really is more.

Wishing you a happy, and stress free, holiday.

♥ Martha