Recycle. Refurbish, Repurpose. Reuse.
My family is not a fan of the traditional green bean casserole that is popular at holiday time.. Many years ago my Mom found some side dish alternatives that even the kids would eat. One of our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner favorites is this simple corn casserole or "corn pudding." You can make this the… Continue reading Jiffy Corn Casserole
This or some version of it, is one of my favorite holiday season day trips. Start early in the morning because this promises to be a busy day! You won’t be able to do everything on this list in one single day trip. Take your time and enjoy each stop. You can always do what… Continue reading A Holiday/Thrifting Daytrip: from Northeast Ohio to W. Pennsylvania
From my private collection. Christmas shops tend to be seasonal so check opening days/hours before you go. Geneva/Ashtabula, Ohio Catherine’s Christmas (seasonal) 910 E Main St, Geneva, OH 44041. Now open for the 2023 season! A beautiful Christmas shop inside an old house. Worth the drive even if you don’t live in the area. When… Continue reading Ohio Day Trips: Christmas Shops and Events
Each year, I see dozens of requests for holiday help on social media. Particularly from those people who have kids. While there are many good-hearted folks willing to help, it’s often impossible to sort out the needy from the scammers. The closer it is to Christmas, the more overwhelming that task becomes. Even the kindest… Continue reading Hard times holiday: Making a merry Christmas when you have nothing to give.
Is there anyone who does not love a Pecan Tassie? These are a favorite at cookie exchanges and the first to disappear from holiday cookie trays. My family did not discover them until fairly recently but once we found this recipe, these treats soared to the top of everyone's list as a holiday "must have."… Continue reading Pecan Tassies
For an explanation of travel plans read "important notes about my travel plans." I designed this plan to immerse myself in all things Christmas. Undecided about who I will be traveling with, I chose options that can be included or removed to meet the interests of my travel companions allowing me to use this plan… Continue reading A Travel Plan: Holiday Break in Central Ohio
I guess it was only natural that my collecting of Christmas tree ornaments would expand into collecting other kinds of Christmas items. That, at least, is what other collectors have told me. A love of Christmas doesn't stop at the tree and I have gone on to collect other kinds of Christmas decor. Nothing I… Continue reading Collecting Vintage Christmas
When I was 10 years old, my mom put my 4 year-old sister and me into the car and drove us to the machine shop where my Dad worked. It was lunchtime on Christmas Eve. The employees, about a half dozen in all, had stopped work for the day and were gathered around the lunchroom… Continue reading Collecting Christmas
Home at the WhackyShack 