No More Bows

I always wrap all the Christmas presents, write the persons name on the back on a piece of tape that holds the package together and go back later and add a bow and tag. To me this is a faster process. I was adding ribbons and bows to my presents tonight and realized I really like the look a simple ribbon tied around the packages more than a store bought bow. So, tonight I decided not to buy anymore bows. I always recycle all my bows (because I hate throwing them away) and storing them until the next Christmas season leaves them looking less than desirable. I have a big stockpile of bows and I plan to use them up and not save or replace them!

Sweet Treat

I tried a new(to me) treat last night.
Sugared Pecans are yummy!



I snuck in a picture of banana nut
bread made in the bread machine.

The bread machine was smoking
because I also used it to make this
french bread. This was the first
time I've ever attempted french
bread and the man said it looked
like it came from a bakery. I love
him! I think the eggwash brushed on
top gave it professional touch.


Now I'd never even heard of a baguette
pan until I read it in the recipe for this
french bread. Of course, I had to be
creative so I put the 2 long round loaves
in a 9X13 glass Pyrex and put each
loaf against the long walls and placed a
Pyrex meatloaf pan between the loaves.
Now when the loaves started to rise
they rose up and not out! I never knew
this bread was so easy to make. I will
definitely be making this for my MIL.
She luuuves bread.