the holiday edit, 2023.
Every year I post a version of this blog because it’s still a tradition I love to keep up with! Homemade cookies, homemade vanilla extract and dollar store cookie tins! Let’s get into it…
Not to get all serious but…I know this season can bring on a lot of depression. I have experienced this myself especially during difficult financial years and when it comes to loss. The holidays have a way of bringing so much cheer, yet so much expectation. It can really be a mixed bag. My best unsolicited advice is to take as much time away from social media as possible and go real old school. Get together with family, friends, coworkers, anyone who feels like a support system and good, positive company. Share some cookies and hot cocoa, maybe a hottie tottie if that’s your thing. Just remember what the holidays are really about and that’s togetherness. The simpler the better!
If you feel alone, lost or unsure how to help yourself, I’m always at the ready with a recommendation for great therapists. I truly believe we all need one, ain’t no shame xx
Now, once we’ve taken care of our mental health and supported our loved ones as well, we can get merry, however that may be for us! I am personally a huge lover of gift giving, gift wrapping and card writing. It may be selfish but I absolutely love receiving cards (sort of my love language) so I think, if I give them, I’ll get them, too! Or at least I’ll up my chances. I think I’ve mostly trained my family by this point to give hand written cards, so I feel like I’m winning!
I also loveeeee wrapping gifts. I’ll make a night of it by putting on a holiday movie (The Santa Claus, every time) and have myself a cheery little night getting excited about everyone opening they’re adorably wrapped gifts. I mean that’s part of the fun of opening a present! Seeing the outside, wondering what secretive magic lives beneath the wrapping paper and bows. I also have no qualms with breaking tradition and using any color I want for holiday gift wrap. Life’s too short, make everything your own little celebration! Hey, throw some llama gift wrap in there while you’re at it! They’re sure to get a smile or at least a funny confused reaction ;)
A GREAT GIFT IDEA!
Okay, I did not make up this gift, I stumbled upon it and loved it so much I had to share it with all of you! But I AM adding my own special addition to it for all of you to download FREE! Let’s read on..
See last years holiday home edit post with more cookie making details here!
Recipe for the vanilla extract: *You’ll see links in here to buy the vanilla beans but I’ll also add it below!
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/
The bottles: *8.5 oz bottles with swing top work best!
The sticker label sheets:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XCND8ZJ/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A2PFIQQO7UBV3G&psc=1
Madagascar vanilla beans:
FREE printable download:
The labels are 1.5” x 1.5”, all laid out on one sheet. You then print them onto your label sheet from the link above, using any printer. They have dotted cut lines around each label for your convenience to just cut out with a scissor! After, you just peel off the back and stick it onto the front of your homemade vanilla extract bottle for the ultimate cuteness.
