Under the Mistletoe – Mistletoe Tradition, Mistletoe History

December 18, 2010

We all know what happens under the Mistletoe (Don’t We?)
I’m sure after reading this, the mistletoe for you will never be quite the same again.
The history of Mistletoe sheds light on the role and significance of the evergreen mistletoe in Christmas festivities. It was believed in the ancient times, that the mistletoe tree could propagate from bird droppings. The Anglo-Saxon meaning of the name is dung on a twig
Mistletoe was believed to have magical powers of healing. The tree was sacred to the ancient Celtic Druids. The cutting of the mistletoe from the oak (mistletoes are parasites,) though they can grow on their own, signified the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Having the mistletoe decorated in the Christmas season, originated from the pagan customs. The famous axiom “kissing under the mistletoe” has its origin in the Norse mythology and Celtic rituals.

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The Smell of Christmas – Gingerbread – The History

December 16, 2010

What smells more like Christmas than gingerbread men baking in the oven?

The answer- Not much, turkey and stuffing are hard to beat, but gingerbread enjoys pride of place in some households.

Gingerbread dates back date back to “ancient times”, whatever that means, but it is generally believed that in the in the 11th century, Crusaders returning to Europe from the Middle East brought a new spice, ginger, with them.

The use of spice called “Ginger” now has widespread use for dealing with indigestion, stomach aches and an aid to digestion generally. It is readily available and recommended for travel sickness and features in many popular cuisines, maybe the best known being Asian food and they have probably been using it for even longer.
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IN THIS ARTICLE
A wonderful insight into the history of gingerbread.

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You Asked For It ~ Custom Articles

December 15, 2010

I ask that you read this carefully, because YOU ASKED FOR IT! Haha. My New Years Gift for you!
For a long time now, So many and I mean many of you have asked if I write all my own stuff – well yes I do!
That being said –
I have had dozens of you through the comments section which I moderate asking me if I would write blog posts or articles for you.
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IN THIS ARTICLE
Ways I can help you achieve what you want

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Yummy Christmas Cake – The History

December 13, 2010

Christmas cake is an old English tradition which first appeared as plum porridge. It is claimed that the eating of the porridge on Christmas Eve, became popular because of the benefit was said to “line the stomachs” of the diners following a day of fasting. As time went by, dried fruit, spices and honey were added to the porridge mixture, which eventually lead to the Christmas pudding we know today.
Later it is said at some time in the 16th century, the oatmeal was removed from the original recipe, and butter, wheat flour and eggs were substituted. These new ingredients helped hold the mixture together and in what resulted in a boiled plum cake, which also had the effect of improving the texture and the flavour. These changes had a major influence on the popularity of the “Cake”.

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Gum Paste Santa Clause – Christmas Cooking

November 23, 2010

Okies, head on over to Your Cake Decorating Class Blog to find out how, in video form ~ 2 new blog posts added. You can comment over on this blog also, so please head on over, I would welcome comments. Until Next time

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Christmas Cooking – Cinderella Cakes

November 23, 2010

Just a very quick note to say new blog post added on my Bake Cakes Now Site. I am sure you will want to view it, great recipe over 100 years old. You can also add comments to this blog. Pop over and see the post. Until Next time

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Walking Sticks|Walking Canes for Sale

November 13, 2010

You Know you’re amazing! Yes Amazing! Why? Because some of you seem to track me where-ever I go, and always let me know what you think of one of my new projects. You’re powers of observation just astound me! Jeff and Becky, thanks for you’re feedback on my Walking Cane for Sale Site. Up less [...]

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InStyle magazine’s “Best Online Shopping” sites for 2010!

November 12, 2010

Hey everyone, I just wanted to blast this out to you all, I am excited, one of my favourite “Classy” (and you my readers would know I love “Classy” things) Online Stores, been mentioned by a fabulous magazine! Fantastic InStyle magazine has released the “Best of the Web 2010″ favourites list and, Layla Grayce was [...]

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