So, I went over to her house yesterday to make a couple batches of
Healthy Recipe Bars with her.
We’ve made them before
(and added dried cranberries to the recipe above).
They are great for breakfast or as an “on the go” snack.
We wrapped them individually and placed them in cupcake papers.
I bought these labels at Staples and personalized them.
Debbie found the snack boxes at Home Goods…and here are our finished presents. The bars can be frozen for later use.
While I was at Debbie’s house, I took a few shots of her Christmas decorating.
I like how she put ornaments on her gifts.
The wreath is a pretty detail on this sconce
This is the jeweled tree that Debbie made when we made them together last year. More on that HERE. The year before that we made jeweled clipboards.
It’s just occurred to me that Debbie and I have a holiday tradition of setting aside a little time during this busy season to create something together.
Tomorrow evening, we are meeting here for a little gift exchange with girlfriends.
This is an interior hallway with a window that provides light to the kitchen nook beyond.
Best wishes!
Marie Jaqua says
I love your jewel Christmas trees. I am in the process of making my own. Plus for family, also. What items do use to keep the jewelry on the tree? Thanks!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I used some stick pins and metal glue from Micheal’s.
amileedesoza7200 says
I really like your all these awesome ideas..You just sharing a amazing post with us that sourly giving a fabulous themes that makes your home so beautiful..So thanks for this..!!!
ferienhaus Estartit
amber @ simpledwellings says
I love all of these creative ideas. I also love wreaths in unexpected places. happy new year, Mary Ann.
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
Your home looks beautiful, Mary Ann. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Acanthus and Acorn says
Mary Ann,
Such a wonderful traditions and a beautiful room to enjoy them with your friends!
Merry Christmas!!!
xo,
~R
A Perfect Gray says
love the jeweled tree! merry christmas! donna
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
So so pretty, Mary Ann. Thank you for sharing Debbie's lovely home. And what a great tradition of getting together to make something around the holidays!
Merry Christmas to you and your family; enjoy!
Ideezine says
MaryAnn.
Now this is how you get ready for Christmas, bake, celebrate with friends and work uo to the official Christmas day. Lovely, fun, healthy and play.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, thank you for stopping by Ideezine this year. See you in the new year!
Bette
elizabeth@themustardceiling says
Happy Holidays Mary Ann! Your photos are beautiful, the decorations are perfect.
Carla Aston | CarlaAston.com/DESIGNED says
Those bars look delicious…I think everyone can use a little energy snack at this time of year! Homemade gifts are absolutely the best…I agree with Steve…What a great way to spend the holidays! Stunning jeweled tree…would love to know how to make my own.
Lydia says
Merry Christmas! My computer has been on a holiday vacation- the loaner makes me appreciate her more- catching up on your blog puts me back "in the mood"!):-
Still Southern Y'all says
I love her mantle decor! Her home is so lovely, so welcoming. What a thought gift you made. Hope you have a Merry Christmas! Gayle
lizziefitz says
I hope your cold clears out fast! Sorry you aren't feeling well. Merry Christmas!!!hugs!
The Buzz Blog says
What a beautiful home and how fun that you continue the tradition of setting aside some to spend together! Those bars look truly yummy and we think they'd make a great treat for our sons' regattas.
xxoo
C + C
pam {simple details} says
Oh, her turquoise cabinet, I've loved it since you first posted! What a wonderful tradition and lucky recipients, your packaging is perfect, as is her beautiful home!
Teresa at Splendid Sass says
Mary Ann-
This post is so beautiful. The rooms are stunning, and your recipe and packaging is perfect.
Merry Christmas to you and our family.
Happy Thursday.
Teresa
xoxo
LRS4AMANDA says
Debbie's house looks beautiful as always!
Since you first posted the recipe for the Energy Bars, I have probably made them almost 1/2 a dozen times. Recently my oven died and since I couldn't bake until my new range arrived, I made these one day to satisfy my sweet tooth. (without the guilt)
My girlfriend and I have a yearly Christmas tradition of making homemade Almond Roca. We have been doing it for over 30 years now. Some of my neighbors are the recipients and they all tell me that they hoard/hide it from other family members!
Linda
Winton Rose Paper Creations says
Just Beautiful. I love the jewel tree and the view through the window to the kitchen. Thanks so much for sharing.
Taylor Greenwalt says
Those bars look yummy….what a great idea and a fun time with a good friend.
Lauren (The Cottage Mix) says
Love that sconce! Enjoy your girls' night…sounds fun!
Leslie Harris says
Beautiful home! And what a fun tradition.
Leslie (Gwen Moss)
The enchanted home says
Everything looks so pretty and those healthy treats look qutie yummy too! I am impressed that you had the time to take on such a project…I feel like I barely have time to breath, and it feels so good to be resting my feet for a few minutes and coming to blogland, the happiest (and most relaxing) place on earth:) Thanks for sharing all the beauty!
Mel@Georgica Pond says
As usual Debbie's home is very beautifully decorated for Christmas. All her touches are lovely and festive but with her typical style.
Moni - Zuhaus at Home says
Debbie's home has beautiful Christmas touches.. and the gift of healthy bars is just the best. Have fun exchanging gifts with your girlfriends, it's always nice to get together and catch-up.
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Those look so good. Much better than all the junk I have been eating. Love her home and sounds like fun getting together with girlfriends.
Our Neck of the Woods says
The energy bars look so yummy! I love how you packaged them up as well. The recipients are very lucky 🙂 So nice to spend time with the ones you love over the holiday season.
An Urban Cottage says
This is a great way to spend the holidays, with friends, making things for others.
Love the jeweled tree, lots of different ways you could spin that idea. Her house is great, awesome bookshelves!
Nancy says
so lovely and personal. Happy Holidays!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
KATHY says
What a gorgeous home!!
Kathy
Our French Inspired Home says
Love the jeweled tree! The bars look good even if they are healthy! -Tonya
Karen Albert says
Mary Ann,
It is so special that you and Debbie have this wonderful tradition going. It will bring you so many memories of your time together in the future!
Love and Hugs
Karena
Art by Karena
$75 NOVICA Giveaway
Erika @ ~TiptoeButterfly~ says
homemade treats are SO special!
Alison says
That home is just gorgeous!
Sherry says
Lovely photographs! The two of you created something more than just delightful gifts — you created time together doing something you enjoy. I love putting ornaments on gifts as part of the wrapping…it's an easy way to dress up a package but it also adds something that can be used again as a remembrance of love and friendship.
suzyq says
What a lovely gift to give! And so appreciated I'm sure ( more than something you can buy )
And that house is gorgeous – but the last photo takes my breath away – that is one beautiful dresser 🙂
Merry Christmas,
Much love
Suzan
My Crafty Home Life says
That is the most thoughtful gift, ever. I love how you labeled them and wrapped them. I have said it before, all of your friends have amazingly beautiful homes. What a nice way to enjoy the season before it's over.
AntiqueChase says
Gorgeous! all of it!!!
Gail Storti says
How fun to have a special time with Debbie, creating these delicious looking treats! And of course, the packaging makes them even more special! I'm so glad you shared Debbie's beautiful holiday decor. I love her simplicity of "less is more"…..something I need to do! I have so many things I love, that it's hard to edit but my house looks like an explosion of Christmas and not in a good way!!!! I love the jeweled trees and remember them from your older post. My mom had a huge collection of old jewelry that I sold at a garage sale and now am kicking myself for it! But guess I can always start my own collection and make one. Hope we get to see a peek from your girlfriend party tomorrow night. Have a wonderful time!
Kathysue says
I think you and Debbie have a wonderful tradition! Nothing like getting together with friends over the Holidays and even better when you do something so productive together. Lovely home and great homemade treats!!
Merry Christmas!
Kathysue
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
How wonderful that you can carve out a little time to make holiday memories with a friend!!! Your home is stunning and Christmas has certainly come! I can just feel the love and time you put into making all things MERRY AND BRIGHT!
René says
So pretty Mary Ann. I always love your home tours!
Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
Friendship is one of life's greatest blessings and friendship with someone who has a gorgeous home and great ideas, is icing on the cake! Ha! Enjoy!
Leslie says
What a great idea to make the gluten free bars! I'll look forward to checking out the recipe. Everything looks very festive and ready for the big day;)
Dixie Delights says
Such a gorgeous tour!! Thank you! Do you know where the rug in the living room is from?
La Dolfina says
So festive!
My mom has an amazing collection of jewel trees from way back when our church would make them and sell them at their Holiday Shop.
They are exquisite. I think it is great that they are making a come back. Back then costume jewelry wasn't as coveted as much then so they really had some show stoppers! I should do a post on them.
Cathy says
I like Debbie's dining rooom chairs. Do you happen to know the make? I am in the midst of a dining room re-do.