Winterfest 2018 ~Here’s My Report

Final Winterfest Preparations were 

to create a bag for these Santas. 

Stitched of burlap and filled with pinecones and red berries...

it is a cross-body man bag. It was the necessary finishing touch.

Our vehicles were loaded 

and when hubby came home from work, 

it was snowing heavily. 

A winter weather advisory 

does put folks in the Holiday Spirit, 

and in the mood to shop for Santas and Snowmen.

I think we set up in record time this year...

It took about three hours!

We assemble the display stands first, 

then hubby hangs the lights

while I fill the shelves with our creations.

My Santa Wine Gift Bags compliment 

Hubby’s Wine Bottle Necklaces. 

Pilgrims in the Pumpkin Patch here.

Santa made it downtown with his new man bag!

My Infinity Scarves were displayed 

in Vintage Luggage, 

allowing shoppers to 

search through the fabrics.

Hubby takes charge of technology and the cash drawer...

...as I finish our display.

There are Turkeys and a Dolly in the Pumpkin Patch, too!

  

These are the Santas that are created 

with Vintage Buttons from my Grandma’s Button Tin.

This is the last piece of this Vintage Wool. 

We enjoyed Winterfest Weekend.

Thank you to all who stopped to say Hello!

Take care,

~Natalie 

Countdown to Winterfest ~Two Days ~Some Big Finishes

This Santa has been on my work table for weeks.

Here he is...all put together.

The last addition will be his Santa Bag, still in the works!

Remember a couple of weeks ago...

I went to every thrift store in town to search for 

these wooden candle holders.

I am pleased with how they turned out!

It was well worth my time.

I did struggle with how to make his face, at first...

 but I think he has taken on a personality of his own.

We also added the Homespun Handles to our Tins.

They make a great gift for a Teacher, Neighbor, 

Secret Santa, or Prayer Partner.

It’s easy to tuck a small surprise inside.

I make a new batch every year.

After all, they are the reason for our name...

Tins and Treasures.

And those Pilgrims...

Finished, and ready to go.

Tomorrow evening,

we will be at the arena setting up our booth.

We look forward to seeing you all this weekend.

Stop by our booth and say “Hello”.

Take care,

~Natalie

My Favorite Holiday ~How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey ~How to Make a Turkey Kielbasa ~Little Jack on Vacation

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. 

It is all about family, good food, and giving thanks.

And here’s how you make a turkey.

Start with some tail feathers for a sturdy  base.

Your Thanksgiving Turkey can’t have a naked body, 

so you must also make a vest.

Then clean up the edges and add embellishments.

This will bring out his personality.

Tom Turkey is ready for Winterfest.

Pinterest Photo

Speaking of Turkey, 

this weekend we made Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa 

to enjoy during the football game.

Cut the kielbasa into bite sized pieces.

You need 3 simple ingredients.

1 cup Apricot Preserves

1/2 cup Maple Syrup

2 tbsp. Bourbon or Apple Juice

Combine in your crockpot.

Cook on low heat for four hours.

It is a good recipe for tailgating, 

as you just stir it together and it cooks itself.

This is Amy’s current profile photo.

Jack and his parents just returned home from vacation.

Yes, we are in love.

Take care,

~Natalie

Veterans Day ~Honoring all Who Served

I love this photo of my daddy and his brother.

It was taken in 1945.

Today we Honor All Who have Served.

Thank you to the Veterans and their Families 

who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Take care,

~Natalie

Get Up ~It’s Game Day ~Bison Football ~Homegating

We look forward to College Game Day here.

We have been Bison fans for decades!

We especially enjoy going to Fargo for the home games.

Don’t we look young here in this old photo?!

When the Bison travel we watch on ESPN+

The broadcast is complete with the tunnel walk.

Homegating Is the New Tailgating. 

Homegating emphasizes gatherings 

involving food and friends at one's house.

 Homegating is a good reason to sit on the couch 

and eat a lot of Football Snacks!

I am sharing some of our favorites.

Hubby absolutely loves these Garlic Parmesan Wings.

They are baked, not fried.

Bacon Wrapped Kielbasa with Brown Sugar Glaze.

Bacon makes everything better, doesn’t it?!

These are Garlic Parmsan Chicken Tenders,

I cut my own from boneless chicken breasts.

Even better for you, than the wings!

Sometimes we cheer for the Bison in the family room.

Olive Dip and Fresh Salsa.

I think my little dip bowls are perfect for our spread... 

they are the color of footballs!

Sometimes we cheer in the Man Cave.

Hubby’s work bench becomes our buffet table.

These Loaded Potato Skins are everyone’s favorite!

And the Man Cave is 

Jasmine’s favorite place to watch football!

Go Bison...Horns Up!

Take care,

~Natalie