Appetizer ideas, star of Bethlehem, snow in the garden

Daily Newsletter for Monday, December 18, 2017

As many mince pies as you taste at Christmas, so many happy months will you have. –proverb Monday, December 18, 2017 352nd day of the year Brad Pitt (actor) was born on this day in 1963. Zsa Zsa Gabor (actress and socialite) died on this day in 2016.

A Christmas Star The Star of Bethlehem Was the Star of Bethlehem a real celestial body or a miraculous vision? Astronomer Bob Berman discusses the prevailing theories and adds his own thoughts into the mix.   READ MORE

Scatter Pins Choose from several different designs. A great accent for hats, sweaters, lapels, and backpacks. Made in Vermont from pewter.   LEARN MORE   $9.97

Snow in the Garden The Beauty and Benefits of Snow in the Garden We finally had our first snow of the season. Whatever you may think of snow (and snow removal!), remember the old saying, “A good winter with snow makes all the plants grow.”    READ MORE

Kaleidoscope Wind Spinner Highly reflective and colorful, this American-made dragonfly will pulse and shimmer with each turn and the Sun’s help.   LEARN MORE   $39.95

Christmas Firsts Christmas Firsts: Christmas Traditions in America When were the first Christmas card, Christmas tree, and department store Santa Claus in America? See when some of these Christmas traditions began!   READ MORE

Clean Air Odor-Neutralizing Candle Eliminates offending odors—doesn’t just mask them! The ingredients are a proprietary blend of essential and botanical oils in a GMO-free soy wax base with an unbleached hemp wick.    LEARN MORE   $12.95

Appetizer Ideas Christmas Appetizer Recipes Ho, ho, ho! Here are 12 of our favorite Christmas appetizer recipes. Whether it’s classic deviled eggs or our famous cheese ball, find some great ideas that go from the appetizer staples to elegant hors d’oeuvres.   READ MORE

Spruce Soy Wax Candles These large, eye-catching candles come in a printed glass container housed in a decorative gift box with a wooden ball top.    LEARN MORE   $21.99

Easy Homemade Vinegar Gifts from the Kitchen: Infused Vinegar Recipes Bottles of infused vinegar make excellent gifts from the kitchen! Below is a colorful recipe for fiery pepper vinegar and raspberry vinegar (only two ingredients!). Forget those overpriced (and often synthetic) flavored vinegars. It’s so easy to make your own.   READ MORE

Screaming Eagle Garden Stake Features a bright and bold patriotic eagle that was made in the USA. Powder-coated metal for durability and rust resistance.    LEARN MORE   $29.95