Well, I've kind of looked at these posts backwards..this being the last...I'm blown away by Everything! I agree with OA - I thought Karen was the Queen of Christmas..but the Two of You must have been seperated at birth! You have so many wonderful decorations. I love that cocoa dispenser and how you have it displayed. What a clever idea using the striped paper as a backing in that shelf unit. It makes everything 'small' in there really stand out. What a fabulous decorating job you've done...I enjoyed it all..and look forward to seeing the rest. jane

I made these from the instructions (Can't remember where I got them. I also made some from kits from Mary Maxim's catalog the two on the right are the ribbon ones RIBBON ORNAMENTS Although these ornaments resemble shimmering lengths of ribbon candy, theyÂre actually an inedible mixture of ribbon, beads, and silk knitting tape. Hung from your treeÂs branches or presented as gifts, these unique embellishments are sure to be treasured for many years to come. TECHNIQUE Making a Ribbon Ornament Ribbon (23-inch length, if using 1-inch-wide ribbon; 35-inch-length, if using 2-inch-wide ribbon) TailorÂs chalk 24-inch length of 1/8-inch-thick silk knitting tape Glass beads, 4 mm and 8 mm Embroidery needle Beginning 1 1/2 inches in from one end of the ribbon (this will become the top of the ornament), make marks down the center every 2 to 3 inches using tailorÂs chalk. Continue until you reach bottom end of the ribbon. Trim top end of ribbon to form a swallowÂs tail. Thread the needle with tape. Using bottom few inches of tape, form a loop large enough to hang ornament by; tie a knot. Thread a large bead, then a small bead, pulling them down to the knot. Poke the needle through the ribbon at the first mark at ribbonÂs top end, and pull tape through. Thread a large bead, then loosely fold the ribbon over the bead. Poke the needle through the next mark, thread a small bead, and fold ribbon over again. Repeat with remaining ribbon, alternating large and small beads with each fold. When youÂve completed your folds, thread a large bead, then a small bead, and knot the tape just above the beads. Here is a link that might be useful:

I've had very good results freezing most cookies (with the exception of delicate ones like meringues). One tip not mentioned yet - be sure to pack each recipe separately and make sure the cookies are fully cooled. If you pack different types together flavors tend to mingle. Also if it's a mixture of crisp and soft cookies, the crisp ones will become soft. Whether it's for room-temperature storage or freezing, I've had my best luck with tins. Carol

I make a chocolate fudge cookie that's no bake. It holds up great. I used it one year in the cookie exchange at Christmas. Chocolate Fudge Cookies Mix together and boil for 3 minutes the following ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar 1/4 lb butter 1/2 cup cocoa 2 cups milk Remove from heat: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it melts) Add 1 tsp vanilla 3 cups oatmeal Drop by tsp on waxed paper or buttered plate. Linda