Perfekt Norsk Gave (Gift)

Oh goodness, it's fun to find the perfect gift for someone.

But this year we were the recipients of some of those perfect gifts:

Scandinavian canister and decanter for us and

M & M's for the NVO.

I just love this pattern of little Julenissen and hearts, received from the oldest daughter, #1,

and the NVO just loves M & M's, given by a thoughtful sis-in-law.

A perfect combination.

(Luckily I'm okay with having plain M & M's  around the the house

 as I am not tempted by them and that's rare for a sugar treat with me!

 Now, if they were peanut, that might be a different story.)

The canister was paired with this lovely decanter.

We will cherish these for many years to come.

Many future wishes for finding 

that perfect gift for that special someone!

CANDO Week Ending 5: Stress Eating

I CAN plan to deal with stress.

The deviled eggs are in the details!

I CAN have a yummy alternative to sweets to redirect stress eating.

These eggs went fast at our party this year

 (couldn't even get a good photos before they were almost gone),

 so for next year, I will make plenty more.

They were easy to make, but I do not have an exact recipe;

however, I will make an attempt to summarize here:

Hard boil eggs, half the eggs and remove yolks to small bowl. 

To yolks, stir in olive oil mayo, Grey Poupon mustard, chopped jalapenos, 

salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. 

Fill the egg white halves with this mixture and sprinkle with paprika.

Very easy!

This morning's stats:

142.2

Down 0.8 pounds

As you can see, I am falling short of my original goal.

It was that party on December 21st that threw me off a bit.

I've been mulling over this and I think the anxiety of the party preparations and 

the accessibility to many of my favorite foods enticed me back

 to my old way of coping with stress: eating.

I CAN allow and prepare for this next year.

I made some notes and put them in our Christmas party storage container, 

so I'll be reminded when I open the container next year. 

Here are of some of next year's party ideas:

1) Perhaps I can schedule the party during Romjul (the time between Christmas and the New Year);

this sounds less stressful for me and possibly our guests as well.

2) More deviled eggs as per above.

3) An additional vegetable appetizer.

4) An additional lean protein appetizer.

5) An almond meal and coconut oil Norwegian waffle in addition to the traditional waffles.

6) Half the volume of sweets. We made too many of these and

 they were hard to resist the next few days following the party...

 The chart and my goals are a bit off track.

Is this sub-conscientiously discouraging? 

What do you think?

Should I adjust the goal coaumn on this chart for a little more kindness during the holidays

 or just leave it as it is and focus on the red line instead of the blue? 

I'm not sure why I factored in no weight-loss for Thanksgiving

 but stayed with the 1,5 lbs per week during Christmas.

I would love your input!

There are a few of you that have emailed me that you would like to "CANDO"
 along with me starting with the New Year.
 I am so thrilled to have some "CANDO" buddies!
Let me know how you would like to be included.
I can post your progress or whatever you come up with.

Please know that I am renewing my commitment and will continue on

 with a revived sense of resolution with your additional support!

Charted Progress:

Goals:  5 lb loss the first week and 1.5 lb per subsequent week.

 If anyone wants this chart with the formulas, I would be happy to send the Excel worksheet. 

Email me at digger.lizzie@gmail.com and I will gladly send it and

 you can customize it to your own plan.

The chart automatically updates with each entry from the data on the left.

Holiday Colors Inspired Dishcloths

Just popping in real quick to wish you all a happy holiday season and

 to thank you for all the wonderful comments and holiday wishes from you,

 my blogging friends.

Thank you!!!

 I made a few holiday color inspired dishcloths during the in-between down-time.

The NVO had a hernia surgery this week and we have been watching the 

"Breaking Bad" series during his recovery.

Wow, what an intense show, good thing I have the crochet to calm me. :-)

Mitered dishcloth pattern can be purchased here.

Rose-in-the-round pattern can be purchased here.

These have an extra row of single crochet all the way around before the picot trim. 

Picot trim pattern can be purchased here.

Happy December!

It's not Christmas without...

Sugar Cookies

This is our favorite Sugar Cookie recipe:

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup butter

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

Sift dry ingredients, cut in softened butter.

Blend eggs and sugar, add to dry.

Chill

Roll-out and cut (use a little flour).

Bake 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes.

Cookies are white with a very slight golden brown on edges.

Frosting is any buttercream frosting recipe, but half of the butter is replaced with cream cheese.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It's not Christmas without...

Berlinerkranser

 for the NVO.

 Wreaths

Hearts

More Berlinerkranser fun and recipes found:

here

and here

and here.

Home for the Holidays

This year's holiday theme for us:

"Use What You Already Have"

aka

"Limit Purchases"

And my favorite item:

The angel made from a can by the NVO's grandfather, many years ago.

Heart potholder from this post.

God Jul potholder courtesy of Mor in Norway.

Poinsettia's might have been purchased this year. ;-)

 Puzzle from 2011 advent gift on this post.

 Advent calendar from this post.

 Crocheted wreath from this post.

 Clock from this post.

Snowflakes from this post.

Crocheted snowflakes from this post and starched on this post.

Scandinavian heart baskets from this post.

Circa 1958 and 1963 photos from this post.

God Jul Y'all!

Simple Rosemary Wreath

I like a simple project...

 that does not necessitate a trip to the store...

simply a walk into the back yard...

 although this is what it looked like early this morning.

Navigating the icicles and the falling snow to get to the rosemary pot.

Then navigating the craft closet.

Hung with my "heart" collection above the kitchen window.

Simple is good.

What simple crafts have you been making this season?

May CAL Homies Part Neuf

Here's the latest CAL update:

Sherie made this gorgeous pillow set for her sister-in-law for Christmas:

How about those gold sparkles on the roses and edge!

Exquisite.

And the back is so elegant with the granny squares and buttons in ivory.

Here's one from Pavlena:

I LOVE the combination of pink, white and green!

Cogaroo has been at it again with the roses.

Check out this beautiful prayer shawl:

How lovely!

If I have missed anyone's project, please email me and I will include in the next update.

digger.lizzie@gmail.com

You can check out the CAL page at the top of my blog 

for many more CAL projects from my homies. :-)

Have a terrific day!

Beyond Infinity #5

I will post a series of Vintage Ripple Infinity Scarves.

Here's # 5:

The pattern is based on an afghan pattern purchased from Churchmouse Yarns.

The pattern can be purchased here.

Crocheted with an "H" hook and Encore Worsted Yarn.

Start with 68 chains and then remove any unneeded chains.

Rows: 54 (six colors from the stash - this one warps around once.)

Measures: 36"

This one also qualifies as part of Linda and Ana's stash-buster!
Yay!

Scarf may be available for purchase. 

If interested, please email digger.lizzie@gmail.com and I will list via Etsy.

I trust you all are keeping warm!