Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Bundles--and scents!

Saw this video this morning and it gave me a smile. Makes me want to go hug Jack!


So…are any of you expecting––or giving ––a Christmas bundle like this this year? So fun!

I'm busy writing today, working toward "The End" of the first draft of my next novel. Still a long ways to go but I'm getting there. It's an overcast, chilly day here in Nashville, the house is quiet, and I'm off to build a fire in the keeping room, and hoping to finish a chapter today and write another. High hopes for this "not fast" writer.

I'm putting some simmering spice on the stove too. Love the way that makes my house smell. Mmmmm..... Do you have a favorite simmering spice recipe? Here's the one I'm using, and it makes the house smell as if you've been baking up a storm (whether you have or not).

Cozy Christmas Scent
3 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
1/4 cup whole cloves
1/2 lemon, halved
1/2 orange, halved
1 qt water

Combine all ingredients in a tea kettle or 1 or 2 quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer as long as desired. Check often and add water as needed. Mixture may be stored in refrigerator for several days. Enjoy! (Now off to eat the other half of that orange. And the lemon? It's destined for some sweet iced tea in one of these special glasses.)

Warm Christmas wishes from my corner of Nashville,
Tammy