TWINKLE TOES

Aren't they pretty?

I couldn't get very good pictures so it is hard to tell that they are a glittery deep purple.

My two friends who come to my Friday morning Bible studies gave me a mani/pedi for a combination birthday and Christmas gift and made it a fun day!

The three of us went together. We first stopped at a small bakery coffee shop and ordered lattes and pastries to go. Then we drove to the next town and had our treats at the nail salon while my feet soaked and I tried to pick out the colors that I wanted. My friends just had manicures or we would have been there all day. As it is, we were there for about 3 hours, leaving at 12:30. Then they took me to lunch at a small cafe/coffee shop that has a very limited but very good menu. Fun, fun, fun!

And here is the result of the manicure. Again, not great pictures. It was hard to not get too much shine from the flash.

I chose a more 'sedate' color for my hands. I gravitate to the lighter rose shades so if it chips it isn't so noticeable. I wish I knew what the name of the color is but I don't think I even heard the name. I didn't think to ask. It is slightly pearlized. Then I added some silver glitter at the base and she slightly pulled it part way to the tip. The glitter sparkles with a prism of colors when the light shines on it. Of course, I also had to do the single featured nail that is so popular today, and so my ring fingers have white chevron stripes stamped on. I LOVE IT! Now I am spoiled, but it is something I can't afford so it will probably be the one and only time I will have it done.

My friends convinced me to do the shellac polish and I am so amazed that after 5 weeks (yes five!) they are still looking as good as when I left the salon. If you look really close you can see how much the nails have grown near the cuticle. But it is not noticeable because of the lighter, more natural color.

I'd say that my friends got their money's worth with their gift. Thank you so much for a very fun gift.

CURRENTLY

Updated

It is a little hard to believe that it has been 10 days since surgery. One daughter and the twins left for home Saturday afternoon, and the other daughter left on the Tuesday after surgery.

The daughter that stayed shampooed some of my carpets as well as my van, and giving the van a good cleaning inside. Now the house and van smell so much fresher. Those were both much needed jobs to be done and I was not able to do either because of my knees. And now I can't do too much and can only carry 10 lbs, which the doctor said was a gallon of milk. I really do appreciate all the help from the girls while they were here.

I have received several lovely cards, and some of the church members have brought meals over. I appreciated the food but the visiting meant even more. Today is Sunday as I write, and after church a couple from church dropped off the bulletin and the things in my church mailbox, plus something large in a plastic grocery bag. It turned out be a gift basket from a church committee called the ARC Angels, and this is what they do. Anyone who has been ill and/or in hospital will usually receive one made up especially for them, and the people who are doing this is kept secret. As I type this I realize I need to get a picture of it. If it isn't in this post it will be in the next one.

 This is the gift basket from my church. There is a current issue of Better Homes and Gardens, and one of Midwest Living. These are two magazines I really enjoy but no longer subscribe. Also 2 pair of fuzzy, soft slipper socks, Aveeno body lotion, Suave Sweet Pea & Violet body wash, and a Skinny Cow candy bar.

This is the bouquet my daughters gave me at the hospital. I should have taken this earlier when it was still fresh. This is after 10 days. The vase is a blue canning jar. That was chosen because I have a few antique green jars.

GINGERBREAD CAKE MIX

Finally, here is the recipe for the gingerbread cake mix that I put in the Christmas gift bags.

The recipe says it yields 5 batches (10 cups total), but I got three quart jars filled, which should make 2 cakes each. I used wide mouth jars which makes it easier to fill.
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GINGERBREAD CAKE MIX

Mix:
6  2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup + 1 TBS. nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 cup baking powder
1 TBS salt
2 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 - 1 1/4 tsp ground cloves (use lesser amounts if your cloves are really strong)
1 1/4 tsp. powdered ginger
1 1/2 cups shortening

Cake:
1 egg
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup molasses

In a large bowl, combine the dry Mix ingredients; mix well. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 5 batches (10 cups total).

To prepare the cake: Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg, water and molasses. Add 2 cups of the cake mix; beat until well blended. Spread into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350 F. for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Prep. time: 10 minutes for the mix; 10 minutes for the cake.
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Serves: 9 per cake.

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If you are giving this as a gift, make sure you put a tag on with the directions for making the cake. If using a quart jar like I did, be sure to put on the label that it makes 2 8-inch cakes, or someone might dump the whole jar in with only 1 egg, etc and end up with a flop. (I might be the one that does that without thinking!)

I found the label designs on Pinterest. There are several online sites that have free printables. I printed them on 2"x4" mailing labels. And the final touch, the red grosgrain ribbon tied around the lid. If you think far enough ahead, there are many cute ways to decorate the jars for whichever holiday or event the gift is given. Go to Pinterest!