Ida B. Wells Arts and Crafts Festival and Birthday Celebration Holly Springs, MS

July 15-17, Holly Springs, MS.

Arts, crafts, creative dance, music, soul food and history. Eddie L. Smith Multipurpose Center. Banquet 7 pm July 16, 2011 Hudsonville Life Center.

A couple of years ago I visited the Ida B. Wells Museum in Holly Springs and it was a very interesting place. The folks who worked there were very enthusiastic and guided me through the tour. The museum is housed in an old antebellum home in Holly Springs.

 Spires Bolling/Gatewood House-Ida B. Wells Museum (photo from museum website)

Great information about Ms. Wells and the Museum history can be found at their website: Ida B. Wells Memorial Foundation

On my visit there, one of the artifacts I especially remember was an old cotton pick sack. It looked like about one of the 7 or 8 ft sacks. I wish I had taken a photograph of it and have looked high and low for a photo somewhere of a pick sack but haven’t found one. If you have one, I’d really appreciate it if you would share.

Old time crafts….quilting, hand sewn clothing…..art forms that will never go out of style)))

Old World Christmas has captured the art form of hand made quilts in this new Quilt Square Christmas ornament, just introduced in 2011.

The Hang Tag reads: As a creative and beautiful art form, quilting combines fabrics, shapes and threads to produce richly patterned products. In the old days, sample blocks were made as a way to record patterns. Women kept their own sample block collections to share and exchange patterns with neighbors and relatives.

Great keepsake for the quilter or for someone who has loving memories of handmade quilts. I have another Blog entry about my memories of old quilts….that feeling of heaviness as quilt after quilt was spread on top of the bed to keep us warm…..no squirming around in my grandmother’s bed……quilts were too heavy!

New Ornaments Arriving July 5th!

New shipment from Old World Christmas arriving next week! The new for 200 Remembrance Heart will be on this shipment......order early, we're only getting a few of these.

Remembrance Heart 30026 -

As the country looks back to the events of September 11, 2001, it is important to remember the thousands we lost and those whose lives have been changed forever.

Old World Christmas glass Remembrance ornaments were designed to honor the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2011, and keep their memory alive.

National Cherry Festival July 2-9, 2011

The Grand Traverse region, known for its world-record tart cherry harvest, bursts with visitors eager to savor the flavor of cherries tucked into everything imaginable.  Each day Festival goers find cherry delights along with parades, family and kids events and entertainment.  In all, there are more than 150 events along the shores of Lake Michigan & Grand Traverse Bay.

 The Festival has been named in USA Todays top ten festivals for several years running. Visit the website National Cherry Festival for more information.

Now if you need Cherries…..we got em! Even have a Slice of Cherry Pie from Old World Christmas!

Choice Cherries Inge-Glas

This Choice Cherries Inge-Glas Christmas ornament just arrived yesterday! Red long stemmed cherries with green leaves. Very luscious looking.

Piece of Cherry Pie

This Piece of Cherry Pie ornament from Old World Christmas looks just like a slice of cherry pie with sugared lattice top. The Hang Tag Reads: Wild cherries are indigenous to the North American continent making cherry pie a truly American dessert. To show off the colorful filling, the cherry pie is usually made with a lattice crust. The crust looks like basket weaving with its fancy, sugar frosted criss-crosses.

The Piece of Cherry Pie ornament makes a great gift, especially with packaged with a nice pie plate or a copy of your favorite cherry pie recipe….or maybe even a real cherry pie……that’s what I would want…….just saying…..

Taste of Chicago June 24 - July 3, 2011

Taste of Chicago is the nation’s premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago’s dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago’s beautiful Grant Park on the city’s magnificent lakefront has been home to the world’s largest food festival.

My favorite Chicago food…..is Chicago Pizza….truly the BEST pizza in the world!

Wikipedia: The Chicago-style “deep-dish” pizza was invented at Pizzeria Uno, in Chicago, in 1943. This pizza is far from the roots of an original Italian pizza. It does not include thin crusts or delicate toppings, but rather it is made with a heavy, thick crust and large amounts of cheese, sauce and ingredients.

The pizza begins with a thick layer of dough made with olive oil and cornmeal laid into a deep round pan and pulled up by the sides, then parbaked before the toppings are added to give it greater spring; the pan is oiled heavily in order to create a fried effect on the outside of the crust. The crust is covered with cheese (generally sliced mozzarella) and meats, usually in a solid layer or patty, just above the crust. Italian sausage (a Chicago staple), as well as vegetables such as onions, mushrooms and bell peppers are also used. A sauce, usually uncooked, made from shredded or puréed tomatoes is added.

The Old World Christmas ornament is more of the thin crust style Pizza. The Chicago Thin Crust pizza has a bit more of a crunch to it, not like the New York style thin crust pizza.

Very good……you must have Pizza in Chicago!

West Virginia Road Kill Cook-Off Sept 24, 2011

The West Virginia Road Kill Cook-Off is one of the region’s most exciting and fun annual events. In years past, the Food Network, the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel have all done filming of this wild and wacky festival! If you’ve ever wanted to taste exotic dishes like squirrel gravy over biscuits, teriyaki marinated bear or deer sausage, this is the place!

The grub served is not really roadkill….the dishes are all crazy named recipes made of weird meats……an armadillo concoction was a winner in 2009!

The Old World Christmas Armadillo ornament is new for 2011. It is made of mouth blown, hand painted glass. The Hang Tag Reads: “Armadillo” is a Spanish word meaning “little armored one.” They are the only mammals that have bony plates that cover their back, head, legs and tail. Since they can roll into a ball to defend themselves, they symbolize protection and setting boundaries.

Wikipedia: Wikipedia: The North American Nine-banded Armadillo tends to jump straight in the air when surprised, and consequently often collides with the undercarriage or fenders of passing vehicles.

I only have one question…….how the heck do you skin an Armadillo????

Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sept 13-18, 2011

Since 1776, the people of Bardstown, Kentucky have been making Bourbon. Their dedication to the fine art of distilling eventually gave Bardstown the title of Bourbon Capital of the World. Come celebrate this passion and history at The Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival gives you 6 full days of smooth Bourbon, delicious food, and great entertainment, with a healthy dose of Kentucky hospitality thrown in for good measure. From black tie galas to historical tours, there is something for all ages and interests. It’s a wonderful six-day event full of activities for the whole family.

 The Whiskey Bottle Christmas ornament from Old World is new for 2011.

Made of mouth blown, hand painted glass.

Hang Tag Reads: Whiskey gets its name from the Gaelic word usquebaugh meaning "water of life." Legend has it that St. Patrick introduced distilling to Ireland in the fifth century AD, and the Celts are credited with producing the first whiskey. Known as Whisky when produced in Scotland, it is one of the world's most popular drinks.

Give a Gift of Hot Chocolate!

Give a gift of hot chocolate this Christmas season. Found some great hot chocolate gifting ideas that you can put together to astound your friends and family. I take no credit for the beautiful creations, my only suggestion is to put a Christmas ornament with your gift to make it everlasting.

I was browsing on Tip Junkie and ran across the neatest idea for hot chocolate. Hot Chocolate on a Stick! Yes, a chunk of chocolate with homemade marshmallow…..looks delicious!

Heather at Whipperberry.com created this most unusual treat. She has more photos that are stunning and recipes for both the chocolate chunk and marshmallow that look easy to follow. She even has a free printable label for packaging this sweet treat.

You’ll want to visit whipperberry.com and plan on spending some time there……she has some great ideas, recipes and crafts.

Another hot chocolate gift idea was found at The Craft Nest. These little packages of hot chocolate mix are perfect for teacher gifts. Our teachers get so many gifts each year from their students that I think it’s better to give something disposable……I mean there are just so many knick-knacks that a teacher can keep….Give them something they can eat, drink or use up and be done with it)))

The Craft Nest used a purchased hot chocolate mix but spruced it up a bit with miniature marshmallows, chocolate chips and even mini peppermint candy canes. Ingredients were placed in 4″ clear cello bag and wrapper created with cutout window. Instructions are on the site and look simple to follow.

If you’d like to make your own Hot Chocolate Mix here’s a great recipe from the Food Network.

Hot Cocoa

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
• Hot water

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk.

If you decide to make your own mix, just be sure to add a little tag with the instructions on how to reconstitute.

Old World Christmas Cup of Cocoa

Top off your hot chocolate gift with a little bunch of Peppermint Candy Canes for stir sticks.This post is making me yearn for cold weather!

The Wayne Chicken Show

If you’re going to be in Nebraska in July, you might want to drop by the Wayne Chicken Show July 8-10, 2011. Sounds like these folks really know how to have fun! Events include the world’s largest chicken dance……I think even I could participate in that one))) Lots of food and games for all ages, flea markets and contests.

Hey…..Elvis will be there…..maybe he’s driving down after having been in Tupelo last week for the Elvis Festival….who knows…

Wayne, NE may have the bragging rights to a chicken festival…..but we have the bragging rights to the perfect Chicken ornament!

The Rubber Chicken ornament was introduced by Merck Family’s Old World Christmas in 2003 and  measures approximately 5 1/2″, made of mouth blown, hand painted glass.

The Hang Tag reads: A Rubber Chicken is a popular gag and slapstick comedy prop used by comics. However, as part of political campaigning, someone who “travels the rubber chicken circuit,” does so by attending or making speeches at many gatherings where dinner is often overcooked chicken. Either way, this chicken likes to have fun!

Perfect gift for those who like to have fun)))

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more great gag gift Christmas ornaments!

Raspberry Festivals

Raspberries are plentiful this year as are the festivals! Here’s a few we found:

Northwest Raspberry Festival at Lynden, WA July 15-16, 2011

Hopkins Raspberry Festival at Hopkins, MN July 9-11, 2011

Bear Lake Raspberry Festival Days at Garden City, UT August 4-6, 2011

Raspberry Festival at Cottonwood, Idaho August 7, 2011

I’m sure there are more festivals this summer and plenty of farms to pick your own fresh raspberries…..great outdoor activity for the little ones……just be careful of the chiggers!

Here’s a recipe from Betty Crocker’s 1950 Cookbook for raspberry pie. The pie is actually Berries and Cream Pie and you can choose to make it with blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches…….same delicious result.

Berries and Cream Pie

Make Pastry for one 9″ pie  (or do as we do in the Pence household.... buy one….)

Place 4 cups fresh berries in pie crust

Mix together and pour over berries:

2/3 cup sugar

4 tbsp. Gold Medal flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 cup cream (30%)

Bake until crust is nicely browned and filling set. Serve slightly warm.

Temperature; 400 degrees (a moderate hot ove)
Time: Bake 35-40 minutes

Now, if you need a Christmas ornament to make picking raspberries, attending a festival, baking or eating a raspberry pie a sweet memory……we have an ornament for you! Merck Family’s Old World Christmas Raspberries.

This Old World Christmas ornament is retired…..we have only a few left in stock so don’t let it slip by!  Cluster of purplish red raspberries with green leaves. Ornament measures approximately 2 3/4″ and is made of mouth blown, hand painted glass.

The Hang Tag reads: Raspberries are a symbol of kindness in Christian art. Their red juice signifies the heart where kindness originates. Raspberries are a delicate fruit, so they symbolize fragility as well. Raspberries are thought to have medicinal benefits, especially associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

Visit us at Trendy Tree and see of collection of over 800 styles of Old World Christmas ornaments!

Here's your wreath Clemson Tigers! Southern Charm Wreaths has created a special orange and purple deco poly mesh wreath just for you Tigers.

The Clemson Tigers field nineteen athletic teams. In men's sports there are: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross-country, and swimming and diving. For women's sports, there are: basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross-country, swimming and diving, and rowing. (Wikipedia)

And, if you need Christmas ornaments just for the Tiger fan, we have them! The Clemson University Football ornament from Merck Family's Old World Christmas is the perfect gift. Or you could add it to the beautiful Tiger wreath.

The Tiger Paw logo was introduced at a press conference on July 21, 1970, it was created by John Antonio and developed by Helen Weaver of Henderson Advertising in Greenville, South Carolina, from a mold of a Bengal Tiger in the St. Louis Zoo.

The Clemson Tiger wreath is a creation by Julie at Southern Charm Wreaths. I believe she may be a Tiger fan))) Check out her website for more of her charming creations.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to browse our huge collection of Collegiate Christmas ornaments and wreath making supplies.

Hope Watermelon Festival August 11-13, 2011

The Hope Watermelon Festival in August promises three full days of fun! Located at Faith Park, Hope, Arkansas. There is a pageant, car show, arts and crafts, softball tournament…..and cold watermelon by the slice!

If you attend this fun-filled festival and need a keepsake Christmas ornament, we have just the thing for you. Or, if you can’t attend and just love watermelon……we have the ornament for you)))

Old World Christmas Watermelon Wedge

Inge-Glas Summer's Best Dessert

Take your choice! Maybe one of these days we’ll have a yellow meated watermelon ornament…..Old World Christmas….are you listening??

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more summer fruit Christmas ornaments!

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Starts July 20th!

The Gilroy Garlic Festival is a three day event starting July 20th. Sounds like they have three days fully packed with entertainment, cookoff, children’s activities and even a Miss Garlic!

To learn more about this interesting festival, visit the Gilroy Garlic page. In the meantime, I think I’ll settle for collecting more of the less savory buds……these don’t smell one little bit)))

Interesting Garlic Facts:

China is the largest producer of garlic.

In the U.S., garlic is grown in every state but Alaska.

Garlic is mentioned in the Bible.

Its use in China was first mentioned in A.D. 510.

In the 12th century it was recommended as a palliative for the heat of the sun in field labor.

In the early 20th century, it was used to treat tuberculosis.

It was used an antiseptic and to prevent gangrene during WWI and II.

Garlic supplementation in rats, has been shown to increase testosterone levels…..just what we need….macho rats!

Garlic has been shown to be superior to placebos to lower systolic blood pressure.

The sticky juice inside the cloves is used as an adhesive in mending glass in China.

Yes, when eaten it does exude through the skin.

Garlic is know for causing …..halitosis……..you’re kidding…..

Sipping milk while eating garlic can help with the smell.

High quantities of garlic and garlic supplements can cause an increase in bleeding risk.

And my favorite……it wards off vampires, werewolves and demons.

June 6th National Gardening Exercise Day!

National Gardening Exercise Day........I thought gardening anytime was exercise! Wonder if watering plants count.....well...probably))

We have two new ornaments this year that are perfect for your favorite gardner))) Make National Gardening Exercise Day one to remember with a thoughtful gift of a Trowel or Cultivator ornament and a few packets of seeds.....an extra pair of gloves is always nice too.

The Hang Tag on the ornaments read: Gardens sustain us with their delicious bounty of fruits, herbs and vegetables. They heal us with medicinal plants and inspire us by providing beautiful flowers. Honor your favorite gardener with this beautiful glass Garden Trowel ornament.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more gardening related Christmas Ornaments!

National Gingerbread Day!

June 5th National Gingerbread Day

Gingerbread is a term used to describe a variety of sweet food products, which can range from a soft, moist loaf cake to something close to a ginger biscuit. What they have in common are the predominant flavors of ginger and a tendency to use honey or molasses (treacle) rather than just sugar. They probably also share a common history.

Gingerbread Boy Christmas Ornament
32164 Merck Family's Old World Christmas
Introduced 2011
Measures approximately 4"

Made of mouth blown, hand painted glass. Cheerful Gingerbread Man dressed in a red vest and Santa's Hat.
The Gingerbread Boy depicts a favorite tradition of the holiday season - baking. treats! Creating elaborate and whimsical cookies that are decorated with frosting and candies started years ago and continues today as a favorite holiday activity.

Run, run as fast as you can;

You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!

National Donut Day!

National Donut Day is the first Friday in June.

National Donut Day started in 1938 as a fund raiser for the Chicago Salvation Army. Their goal was to help the needy. Many American donut shops offer free donuts on Donut Day. The Salvation Army continues to use donuts as a fund raiser.

Here’s a recipe for donuts (or doughnuts as Betty Crocker says….) from my mother’s 1950′s cookbook. I remember them being delicious!

Favorite Doughnuts

Beat well: 4 egg yolks (or 2 whole eggs)

Beat in:  1 cup sugar; 2 tbsp. soft shortening

Stir in:   3/4 cup thick buttermilk or sour milk
Sift together and stir in:  3 1/2 cups sifted GOLD MEDAL Flour; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. soda; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. nutmeg; 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Chill dough 2 hours. Heat fat while rolling and cutting doughnuts.

1. Turn part of dough onto floured cloth-covered board. Keep the rest chilled. Turn dough to lightly cover with flour.

2.  Roll out gently 1/3″ thick. Cut with floured sharp doughnut cutter. Take board close to kettle to transfer doughnuts easily.

3.  Lift doughnuts on wide spatula, slide quickly into hot fat. Fry as many at a time as can be turned easily.

4.  Turn doughnuts as they rise to surface and show a little color. Fry about 3 min. to completely brown on both sides.

5.  Life from fat with long fork. Do not prick doughnuts. Drain over kettle, place on absorbent paper in warm place.

Note: Keep fat to use again: Clarify fat with raw potato in it (4 slices to 1 qt). When fat bubbles, strain into jar or can through 2 or 3 thicknesses of cheesecloth, over wire strainer. (The potato absorbs flavors and collects sediment, the remainder settling to the bottom. ) Keep in refrigerator in light-proof, tight, covered container.

Serve plain, sugared or glazed.

Note: The amount and kind of spice may be varied to suit individual taste. 2 tsp vanilla may be used in place of spices.

Temperature of fat: 370 to 380 degrees

Amount: 2 dozen 3″ doughnuts

To Sugar Doughnuts: Just before serving, shake doughnuts one at a time in a paper bag with a little confectioners’ or granulated sugar.

To Coat with Nuts and Sugar: Dip warm doughnuts into warm glaze (see below), then into mixture of 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon.

To Glaze Doughnuts: Add 1/3 cup boiling water gradually to 1 cup confectioners’ sugar. Mix well. Dip warm doughnuts into the warm glaze.

Or…..go to Shipleys))))

The good thing about the Old World Christmas Donuts…….no calories)))