Getting In The Christmas Mood

I'm a bit late getting into the Christmas mood this year.  I'm not sure why.  I've listened daily to Christmas music, watched an extraordinary amount of Hallmark movies, made 12 pounds of fudge and I've even begun to delve into my holiday DVD collection.  But I'm still feeling a bit Scroogish.  Maybe it's the fact that there are no children in our house.  Whatever the cause I fear that Christmas will come and I won't be ready for it.

To combat that possibility I plan to go to Christmas Town as much as possible.  Hopefully there will even be a snowy day here and there as well.  So far we've only gone once.  We braved the opening day.  The park opens at 2 and we got there at 3.  You would think the traffic would have thinned out by then, but no.  The main parking lots were almost full already.  It actually took us 1 1/2 hours to park, redeem our passes and get in.  All in all not too bad for opening day.

I have 29 days to get ready!

The first place we headed to was Holiday Hills.  It have a retro them that brings me right back to my childhood.  Lots of Rudolphs and large Christmas bulbs.  Great music as well.  We normally like to eat the buffet in the Dasher's Diner.  But this year they moved the traditional Christmas food over to behind the Festhaus.  They put up large heated tents and have the buffets in them.  It's probably best as it has a greater capacity.

Love the retro theme!

The Pompei was spectacular as always.  According to Busch Gardens there are 1,584,000 lights in the Polar Pathway area.

More beautiful than can be captured in a photo

We had a lovely day at Christmas Town.  The ice show 'Twas The Night was fabulous.  We also saw Scrooge No More and enjoyed it very much.  The actor playing Tiny Tim was different from last year, I think.  The one last year was missing several teeth and was completely adorable.  He was perfect for the part and really seemed to enjoy performing.  The boy this year was good but I kind of missed that toothy smile!  Hopefully I can get some good photos in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime I have several more pounds of fudge to make and Christmas cards to prepare.  I am determined to get them in the mail earlier than Christmas Eve!  If you have any suggestions on how to get in the hap, hap, happiest mood please leave a comment.

Sharon

New Christmas Scrapbooks Ready

Winter Woodland 5x7 Mini Scrapbook

Be Joyful 3x5 Mini Scrapbook

Running Behind or Way Ahead of the Game?

I'm still working on some Christmas projects.  I don't look at it as being late.  After all most people haven't even printed their holiday photos yet.  I've still got quite a few photos to process as well.  So with that in mind I am still working on some Christmas and winter albums.  Today I have two new listing in my Etsy Store and at Sharon Stroud Designs.

I haven't made the videos yet although I really intended to get to them today.   Even did my nails!  But then I somehow got distracted in the kitchen.  I was a real cooking maniac.  I made BBQ chicken, a pot of cabbage and corn muffins for dinner.  I also cooked a pot of beans for tomorrow and to top it off I tried a new recipe for banana muffins.  Yum Yum!

I hope you enjoy my new scrapbooks.
Sharon

#scrapbook, #premadescrapbook, #christmasscrapbook

Recapturing The Christmas Spirit

I don't know about you but I was starting to run out of Christmas steam around the middle of December.  It all started out pretty well.  Thanksgiving weekend everyone quickly got into a holiday mood.  Jolly, jolly!  Christmas Town opened and even though the crowds massive people were happy and didn't seem to mind.

But then the stress began to build...the dreaded Christmas Countdown.  Every year (usually the day after Christmas) I swear to myself to get my shopping done way in advance.  And like most people I promptly forget my vow in the following months.  Between shopping, finishing up my custom orders, mailing my Etsy orders, sending Christmas cards (I actually did this year!), and making 15 pounds of fudge I started to feel the strain.  My happy holiday spirit slowly drained away.

I listened to Christmas music all day at work and watched countless hours of Hallmark Channel.  I also watched some of my Christmas DVDs.  I especially love the Scrooge movies.  My favorite is the Alastair Sim version, I think.

I did my best to stay in the holly jolly mood and was doing pretty well up until that last week.  Then I hit the wall.  Crash, boom.  Maybe I overdosed a bit on the Hallmark Channel.  Who knows. But I definitely wasn't in the right mood.  Christmas came and went with me never fully recovering my jolly.  I didn't even mind having to return to work on the 26th.  Not much, anyway.

On the weekend after Christmas. my sister and I decided to go back to Busch Gardens one last time.  We also dragged the hubbies along!  Not really.  They are usually cooperative as long as there is food involved!  The park was nicely uncrowded and the weather was perfect for me and Sis.  It was 65 degrees.  Here in Virginia the weather is like a box full of chocolates (random Forest Gump reference).  We were overjoyed with the 65.

My sister just bought a new camera she wanted to try out so the two of us were snapping photos of everything just for fun.  It made for a nice change.  I'm usually the only one forcing everyone stop and pose for photos!  We meandered over to the Santa's Workshop.  I actually tried to get photos of Santa a few times on previous visits but with the crowds it was just impossible. I figured today would be my best shot.

We took our positions at the window like a couple of peeping Toms!  There was a tiny baby sitting on Santa's lap.  It was adorable.  The baby was looking up at Santa's face with a look of curiosity and wonder.  I knew it was only a matter of time.  Sure enough the wonder turned to "what the hey?"!!  So the family photo time came to a sudden end as mom retrieved her screaming baby.

Now was our chance.  We quickly got our cameras up to our eyes and then it happened!  Santa saw us and made eye contact.  And then he waved!  HOLY COW!  For a split second I remembered what it felt like to be a a six year old on Christmas morning.  I snapped photos like crazy.  I knew this was a moment and mood I wanted to capture.  Then Santa actually gave us two thumbs up!  I was so surprised I forgot to take the picture.  Hopefully Sis kept her head better than me.  I was too busy being a six year old again!

We left Santa's Workshop excited and laughing like a couple of kids.  And I believe that the two thumbs up was a sign.  Santa was giving us heads up that we're already on his good list for the next year!

Busch Gardens has the best Santa ever.  Just my opinion.

Sharon

#christmastown, #buschgardens, #santa, #buschgardenschristmastown,

Second Trip to Christmas Town

Everyone in Town is in the Christmas Mood!

That might be an exaggeration, but from the crowd at Busch Gardens it just seemed that way.  I have never seen it that crowded during Christmas Town.  It was unbelievable and somewhat inconvenient, but festive all at the same time.

Of course I wanted to see the Scrooge No More show again.  That seems to be the hot ticket this year and it totally lives up to the hype.  We wanted good seats so we got in line very early.  After standing in the cold for 30 minutes it was a relief to get into the theater 30 minutes before showtime.  It was so cozy in there we were very tempted to take a nap!

I'm still working on my showtime photography skills.  It's hit and miss with me.  I tend to take photos that are perfect except for the main focus being overexposed.  Bummer.  This is such a beautiful show I really hope to take some photos that represent it well.  Maybe a third viewing is in order!

Of course Scrooge No More is my favorite show, but for some reason Hubby loves Miracles.  I think maybe part of the reason might be that he can sip his mug of hot chocolate while enjoying the show.  The show is in an outdoor theater but they have heaters and the outside walls are enclosed in plastic to help keep out the cold.  It works pretty well.

This year Christmas Town has added many photographic opportunities.  You can have your picture taken with one of the Clydesdales decked out in jingle bells.  There is a polar bear in Italy, a penguin in France and this adorable snowman in Holiday Hills.

There are also some spots just perfect for family Christmas photos.  The massive tree in front of the Festhaus comes to mind.  And don't forget Santa's Workshop.

I definitely will not be having my picture taken on Santa's lap!  But I might just get one with the happy snowman!

Sharon

#Buschgardens, #christmastown, #christmastown2014

Sharon's Lightnin' Fast Assembly Line Fudge

 

Who doesn't love fudge?

I have met the odd (emphasis on the odd) person here and there who doesn't like chocolate, but it's definitely a rarity.  Most people love fudge.  Some struggle with making it.  In a normal Christmas season I will make about 15-18 pounds of the stuff.  All flavors and varieties.  So I have my fudge-making down to a streamlined science.   I can make two batches of fudge in 45 minutes or less.  That amounts to 6 pounds!  I hope my tips will help you out this Christmas.

Hints:
Measure out all ingredients for the first batch.
Use fresh chips.  They melt faster.
As the butter melts work it up the sides of the pan.  It helps to keep the sugar from sticking on the sides.
Place your glass of ice water real close so you don't drip candy all over your stove.
Heat the chips for 30 seconds in the microwave so they will melt faster.  Saves on the arm workout!  Same with the marshmallow cream.  Don't overcook or you will scorch your chips and the marshmallow will look like a lava flow!
Spray your pans with PAM unless you really enjoy buttering pans.  You never know.  It takes all kinds.
When you finish the first batch wash the pan with hot water, dry, then start the second batch in the same pan. Saves a lot of time on preparation and clean-up.

Equipment needed:
Pan - any size will do.  I normally use a 9x13 sheet pan
1-cup measuring cup
2-cup glass measuring cup
wooden spoon
2 quart non-stick saucepan
cup of ice water

See how much fudge I'm going to make!

Ingredients:
3 cups granulated sugar
12 Ounces or 2 cups of chocolate chips or Reece's peanut butter chips
1 1/2 sticks butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk (I use the big can for 2 batches of fudge)
1 jar (7oz) marshmallow cream
1 Tsp. vanilla extract (omit for peanut butter fudge)

Directions:
1.  Spray pans with PAM or butter liberally.
2.  Measure 2/3 cup evaporated milk into 1 cup measuring cup.
3.  Measure chips into 2-cup measuring cup.  Place in microwave.
4.  Remove lid and seal from marshmallow cream.  Place in microwave.

Not so deep you can't reach the bottom easily.

5.  Place cup of ice water within easy reach of stove.
6.  Heat butter in saucepan on medium high heat till it starts to melt.

Be careful not to let your butter brown

7.  Add milk and 3 cups sugar.  Stir well to dissolve.
8.  While the fudge is heating up turn on the microwave for 30 seconds at high power.  Don't go over 30 seconds or you'll have a real mess!
9.  Cook on medium high until it comes to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.

This stuff is HOT!

10.  Boil for 2 minutes then test.  Let a bit drip from the spoon into ice water.  Let it stand for just a few seconds to get cold.  Then reach in and pick it up.  If you can form it into a soft ball it's ready.

A little ball of buttery goodness!

11.  Remove from heat.
10.  Add chocolate chips.  Stir until melted.

Totally melted and smooth

12.  Add marshmallow cream.

Looks yummy, doesn't it?

13.  Add 1 teaspoon vanilla.  Mix well but don't beat air into your fudge.

14.  Pour into prepared pan.
15.  Give spoon to hubby.

Give this warm spoon of fudgy goodness to someone.  They will love you for it!

16.  What's left is all mine.

You could get it all out with a spatula, but why would you?

A spoonful of warm fudge and a glass of ice cold milk!  Yum!

17.  Wash saucepan.
18.  Take spoon from Hubby and wash.
19.  Repeat all steps for another batch of fudge.

Just measure out 3 more cups of sugar.  And then all you have to do is use the remaining stick and a half of butter, the rest of the milk in the can.  Easy peasy.  I made a batch of chocolate and one of peanut butter.  The whole process took 45 minutes and only dirtied one pot, a spoon, and two measuring cups.

I hope you will try this out.  As long as you cook the fudge to the soft ball stage and make sure your chips are totally melted you cannot fail.

Sharon

It's Officially Christmas Time

Christmas Countdown in Holiday Hills

Busch Gardens Christmas Town is open!

This year Busch Gardens opened Christmas Town a week early.  Unfortunately due to my sprained ankle I didn't get to go to opening weekend.  But hubby and I did go on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Probably not the most convenient day as it was one of the $12 discount days.  The place was packed.  It took us forever to get in the park.  The traffic was lined up on all roads leading in.  I even heard later that it took someone almost 2 hours to get in.

You could definitely tell there were a lot of newbies in the park.  They had that totally lost look about them.  And for some reason they always want to stop right in the middle of the path and block everything up.  Somewhat trying to my patience.  But since I was nursing my bum ankle I wasn't exactly sprinting through the park anyway.

Dasher's Diner Buffet

We decided to give Dasher's Diner a try.  It's a buffet that's located in the Holiday Hills village.  In all the times we've been to Christmas Town we have never eaten there for some reason.  I kind of think it was due to Hubby's penchant for Festhaus German sausages.  But I persuaded him to step out and try something new.  I will say that Dasher's Diner is my new favorite place.  I started out very modestly with a salad, roll and chicken leg.  Then I moved on to chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes and gravy and grilled vegetables.  Very yummy.  On my next trip I got Swedish meatballs (on Hubby's recommendation), more mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.  The vegetables make everything OK don't they?  I definitely think they do.  There was also a dessert bar.  I chose cherry cobbler.  All in all a very yummy and satisfying meal.

The Festhaus all decked out with lights

The park is beautifully decorated.  At night it's really stunning.  If you can stand the height I recommend going up the Nacht Tower.  I did it one time.  Beautiful but scary.  You really can see the whole park from up there though.

Each country has a different theme.  My favorite village is Holiday Hills.  I love that retro American style.  It really screams "Christmas"!  I also like France.  It's so pretty in blue and white.  OK, now that I think of it I love it all!

German village

There is a new show this year called Scrooge No More.  In my opinion this show is worth the admission price all on it's own.  I think this is the best show Busch Gardens has ever had and I have seen them all since the late seventies.

The sets are beautiful.  The special effects were top notch and the talent was way above what you normally find at an amusement park.  You don't want to miss this one.  I hope to go back soon and get better pictures.

Sharon

#ChristmasTown, #WilliamsburgChristmas, #BuschGardens, #Scrooge, #holidayfun,

Santa's Whimsical Sleigh

Santa's Sleigh Shoe - Second Model

Here is the sporty version of Santa's Sleigh.  This a sleep beauty, built for speed!  The whimsical paint is reminiscent of swirly snow drifts.  I'm really happy with how these shoes turned out and I'm definitely in the Christmas mood now!

This shoe is now available at sharonstrouddesigns and my Etsy Store.

I just have a few projects to finish up.  I'm hoping have everything wrapped up by Thanksgiving weekend.  Then I'm free and clear to enjoy my Christmas.  Of course I won't totally stop working.  I have a tendency to get lazy if I take time off and then I have a hard time getting back to work.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who has that problem.  So I will spend my time working on some fun projects and thinking up new ideas for the coming year.  If you have any ideas please feel free to share them.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Sharon

Santa is on his way with a new classy ride!

Newest Sleigh Models for 2014

Santa's new ride is fresh off the showroom floor and ready to take a spin.  There are two versions available.  The first one is called Santa's Monogram Sleigh.  Santa takes this one when he wants to make a statement.  It's a luxury model with just a touch of sporty pizazz.  The glittery gold runners provide stability as well as superb handling.

The second model is called Santa's Whimsical Sleigh.  It's has a custom paint job that showcases whimsical swirls.  This model is just perfect for frolicky fun!  I will post photos soon.

The Santa's Monogram Sleigh is now available on my website and Etsy store.

http://www.sharonstrouddesigns.com
https://www.etsy.com/listing/212624526/santas-monogram-sleigh-altered-art-elf?ref=shop_home_active_1

Appalachian German Kriskindlmarkt

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

Let the Christmas festivities begin!

As Busch Gardens is busily preparing Christmas Town for opening day, I can almost taste the peppermint fudge hot chocolate.  Much as I would like it to be 75 degrees, the steam rising from a mug of hot chocolate is heartwarming as well as traditional.

Next weekend is the grand opening.  Busch decided to open a week earlier this year.  Since I sprained my ankle last weekend I hope I'll be ready for it.  Maybe I can get a nice fellow to push me around in a wheelchair?  Nah, never happen.

I came across a new Christmas festival that looks interesting.  It's about 3 hours away but might be worth the trip.  I've already missed the cutoff for dinner reservations so I'd just have to setting for the traditional German festival food.  I will not mention this festival to Hubby until I definitely decide to go.  At the mention of German sausages it will be hard to live with the Sausage Crazed Madman!

They call it Kriskindlmarkt III.  It's going to be held next weekend, Nov. 21-22.  I suppose if I'm not up to walking Busch Gardens Christmas Town I could head up to Clifton Forge for this festival.  It couldn't possibly involve as much walking. And I have until the end of the year to go to Christmas Town.  I'm blessed to live in an area where there are so many choices!

Sharon

 

Christmas Fireplace Box Series

I'm having so much fun making my fireplace boxes.  And I love every one of them.  They all come complete with fireplace logs and handmade stockings that can be personalized.

The White Brick Fireplace is so much prettier than it photographs.  I guess I need to work on my photographic technique.  I really love the white and icy blue color scheme for Christmas.

White Brick Fireplace Box

The Red Brick Fireplace seems to be a favorite with men.  It's very realistic and rustic. And it looks really great when accessorized.  I haven't had time to take those photographs yet.  Hopefully this weekend...

Red Brick Fireplace Box

Brown Stone Fireplace Box

I almost want to say the Brown Stone Fireplace might be my favorite.  But this could simply be because it's the last one I made.  I guess you could say it's the baby!  We'll see if I feel the same when I finish the next one.

These boxes are all sized to fit one of my 5x7 mini scrapbook albums.  The ones I have available right now are the Fa La La and Bright and Merry scrapbooks.

Fa La La Christmas Mini Scrapbook

Merry and Bright Christmas Mini Scrapbook

The boxes would also be a great place to store your Christmas cards and memorabilia.  If you can think of any other uses please leave a comment.  I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Sharon

#christmasgift, #miniscrapbook, #scrapbookset, #fireplace, #premadescrapbook