Jacque Made: a place to share my creative side.

Of all the holidays, Christmas is my favorite to decorate for. I truly believe it is a magical time. Not just because all the kids are excited for their Elf on the Shelf to fly and make mischief while they sleep, and not just because of Santa Claus and his reindeer. I love Christmastime, because I feel a greater sense of love, and peace, and giving all around me. And it feels magical. I guess that's why I love to make my home feel magical, too. For years now, I've decorated in mainly red and green. I love the traditional colors of the holiday and all they represent. But, I fell in love with a few items I saw this year that were a range of colors. I had to get them. These trees from Target were my favorite find. I bought them on sale, and I love them!!  It's hard to see, but I also bought the white ball and jingle bell garland from Target to pin our Christmas cards to. I use small clothespins to pin them on.  And then, I saw the mini trees and had to buy them...

Avery's preschool teacher is so amazing. Not only is she an incredible teacher, but she is also a dear friend to me. I wanted to do a little something for her for Christmas. I love to do gifts that are color coordinated. This was what I came up with for her in reds. Included is : Raspberry Sparkling Ice drink Small red cranberry candle red "Wish" ornament from Target set of small red whisks from Target Lindt pomegranate chocolate bar I found the cute red candy cane basket at Target, and the tag is also from Target. I hope she likes it!

Since it's coming upon Christmas, I'm going to share my mom's wonderful banana bread recipe. I usually make it as muffins, but she always did it as loaves of bread and gave it away to our neighbors. Either way, it is divine, and Christmas isn't the same without it. Enjoy! MOM'S BANANA BREAD Ingredients: 2 C. flour 1 C. sugar 3 eggs 3/4 C. oil 2 C. mashed bananas (can also use grated carrots or apples) 1 tsp. vanilla 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 C. chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are good) (I sometimes add a few chocolate chips to the tops of my muffins for extra ooey gooey goodness)  Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Pour into well-greased loaf pans (or muffin pans or mini muffin pans - I use a melon baller scoop if making mini muffins). Top with a few chocolate chips, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (if using loaf pans) or about 15-20 minutes for muffins. If doing mini muf...

I always like to give my friends and neighbors a little gift for the holidays. This year, I went to pinterest for ideas, and I was so excited when I found this idea there! I liked that I wasn't giving sweets, as we all eat way too many over the holidays, and I also liked that it was fairly easy to put together.  Here's what's in each bag:  (You could also put these items in a cute mason jar too. I wanted to spend as little money as possible, so I opted for bags.) 1/3 cup fresh cranberries 1 orange 4 cinnamon sticks 1 Tbsp. cloves 1/8 tsp. nutmeg There is a printable tag  online similar to this one my sis designed for me. I, of course, like hers more.  Tie up your bag with cute twine, attach your tag, and deliver away! Your neighbors and friends will love this gift.