It’s party time! Perhaps you're getting ready to host Christmas Eve or a New Year's bash! Every year, we host our annual holiday party in December. 75+ people attend each year. It’s our labor of love for the holiday season. This year, we celebrate our 24th year. Suffice it to say, we learned a few things along the way. Keep It Simple No surprise, we simplified. We do less. In years past, party preparations consumed days and I scrambled right up until the last hour. No more. I completed my decorating in a few hours last week! Many rooms in our home used to require a significant amount of decluttering and rearranging. I had to create a pathway for guests through our maze of possessions. Tables and counters had to be cleared of “stuff.” Then, the items boxed and stored in the closet. Why didn’t I just pass those on to GoodWill? Bins used for Christmas decorations were refilled with my “regular decorations” so as to make room for the holiday season. No More. Minimalist homes …
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How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Every year, I make Homemade Vanilla Extract as Christmas gifts. It’s a hit with friends and family and super easy to make. The only catch….it takes time to steep. About 4-6 weeks before you can use it in baking. And the longer the better! So, now is a great time to get started! Want a Simple 🎁 Gift Tag for your Homemade Vanilla Extract? Click HERE for your FREE digital download. And if you are reading this in December, you can still make it. One year, I told recipients to wait 4 weeks before using it. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good. I like to order supplies in early November. Needing to make this gift early actually helps with the holiday crazy. Vanilla jars sit happily in the pantry, while I carry on managing the December calendar. Shopping List Vodka - I choose a mid-priced brand of good quality Vanilla Beans - I like these Glass Bottles - I prefer this style for a tall vanilla bean Pint or 1/2 Pint Mason Jars work well and are …