kellicrowe

Christmas: Building a Kit Kat house

When I saw this Kit Kat house, I thought

Man...I'd eat that!

You can find the directions for how to make this at Nestle.com here.

But if you want to see what I did  and how NOT to make one....read on:)

I wanted to make one of these to go with my Deck the Dining Room class (over at

TwoPeasInABucket.com here.)   

Yes.  Those are store bought cookies.

(Well, it isn't like I made the Kit Kats either.)

I thought I'd try just building the house without the cardboard base.

I mean, leaving out the foundation and going straight for the decoration sounded like a full proof plan.

Tip: Don't do this.

I decided to check out the website and see what Nestle suggested.

I drew out the dimensions of the house from the Nestle web site onto a shirt box top.

Then I cut out the pieces and taped them together.

(I had probably consumed like 4 full Kit Kats by this point)

Then I realized my house was too tall for my Kit Kats because

you know, I'm me and this is how things I build usually work out.

I trimmed the bottom of the house and made my royal icing.

(I measured my egg whites and used about 1 egg per oz)

Dude, that stuff is like glue.

It works a million times better than the tubes of icing from the grocery store.

And speaking of things that the icing in a tube isn't good for: making the window.  

Yeah...the gel icing just slid all over the place.

I wiped it off (gently) with a wet paper towel and then used bubble gum tape.

Basically, I just started going through our candy jar and the kids' left over Halloween candy.

The Kit Kats were the only items I bought specifically for this project (about 8 reg. size).  

Everything else was what we had.

I smeared a little bit of royal icing over the cake plate and sprinkled 2 kinds of green sprinkles

over it for grass.  (Left over from Max's Green Themed 4th Birthday party...4 years ago).

Finally, in an effort to insure that we get ants in the house,

I dusted the roof with a little bit of powdered sugar.  

The crazy thing is that my kitchen was TOTALLY CLEAN before I started. 

Floors and everything.

Yeah, not so much afterwards.

 

OH, and one more tip: When you cut the Kit Kats for the roof, use a really sharp knife

and

do not put the Kit Kat down onto a cutting board that just came out of the hot dishwasher.

FYI

Free scrap book class: Decking the Dining Room

I have a free & simple class over at TwoPeasInABucket.com this week on decorating the dining room using a banner, some paper piecings and place cards.  You can find the class here.

You can find the thread on the Education Board to discuss the class here.

 

Here a few snippets of some of the projects:

(The banner is totally inspired by the talented lady over at katydid blog.  You can find a link to her original post from last DEC here. I've since seen banners like this all over the place - but hers was the first one I saw:)

Conversations: with Max

We are ALL excited to see what Santa says about this one.

Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge by J. Marie Croft

 

If you appreciate alliterative allusions, find no punishment in puns, relish recalcitrant repartee and you can handle Mr. and Mrs. Bennet flirting with each other...then you will enjoy this Pride and Prejudice re-imagining: Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge.  And if all of those are not your cup of tea...then skim through them because the plot is pretty good too.

Blurb from the back of the book:

A pun filled tale featuring Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice characters with some added or addled, missing or missish, modified or mortified, healthier, wealthier, or wiser.

Impeccable comportment is mandatory in Regency England, a society governed by strict rules of conduct. Perfectionist Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to an august ancestral estate, is the epitome of an unimpeachable gentleman, at least until...

Our hero's immaculate image is somewhat tarnished when he and his traveling companions arrive, hot and sweaty, at Pemberley and decide to take a fateful plunge into a scummy pond.  An embarrassing encounter on the estate's lawn leaves a long-lasting impression on Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, who are new acquaintances of Georgiana and Anna Darcy....This romantic comedy is a lighthearted adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, featuring a softer, sweeter and sillier side of Austen's beloved characters.

(This is one of the best "back of the book blurbs" I have ever read because it really does set the appropriate expectation.  And really, knowing what to expect with Pride and Prejudice spin offs is the whole reason I write these reviews.  That and my poor memory.....)

Language: A

Characterization: B

Plot: B

Rehash vs. Revisit: A

Nit Picky Little Things: B

Wonderful Little Moments: A

Originality: A+

The Moment I was Hooked: A

 

Language: One of the reviews on the front of the book reads, "I laughed, I snorted, smiled and groaned..." And that is a good way to describe reading this book.

It did make me smile to think that the same Jane Austen who stood before her family and recited funny stories, would have enjoyed the clever word games that Mrs. Croft employed.  And I also considered that word games were entertainment during that time period.  (I am thinking of Scrooge's nephew and his friends in A Christmas Carol.  "Tight as...your uncle Scrooge's purse strings, a drum!"  A Christmas Carol was published about 30 years after Pride and Prejudice.)  

The word play is a bit like watching spinning plates.  At first, you are interested because, hey, they are spinning plates.  Then it goes on and you are less interested.  Then, a minute more, and your mind starts to drift.  Suddenly, you are pulled back because, look at that....those plates are still spinning!  That is what the paragraphs with the plays on words were like for me.  Interesting, my mind drifted and then....seriously, wow!  She is on her 8th pun using the word bird! 

A

Characterization: In a re-imagining, one has to suspend her disbelief of what she knows about Pride and Prejudice as fact.  Just as one can watch Bridget Jone's Diary and see certain character traits and themes that stand out as being particularly Jane Austenie, there is much there that is not.  The same is true for this book.  

I think it is easy to dismiss some of the changes in characterization as simply fun interpretations.  But what if Mr. and Mrs. Bennet did have a loving relationship?  What if they didn't need to worry about the entailment of Longbourn?  Would that have possibly contributed to their prosperity and raised their daughters to a higher level of society?  I found myself thinking about these things long after I finished reading the book.  

I believe that Mrs. Croft has written one of my favorite versions of Bingley.  

B

Plot: I consider this a "re-imagining"  I have several categories for Pride and Prejudice spin off books.

1. Re-tellings: Using the same plot as Jane Austen but telling the story from a different point of view or with additional details.  (Think Mr. Darcy's Diary, An Assembly Such As This)

2. Follow ups: Books that tell you what happened after that wedding kiss with Darcy and Elizabeth. (Mr. Darcy takes a Wife, Sharon Lathan's Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy)

3. What ifs: Books that change a detail but keep most of the plot structures/characterizations in place. (Mr. Darcy, Vampire, The Other Mr. Darcy)

4. Re-imaginings: Multiple details changed to the extent, the story or the characters are very different. (Bridget Jones' Diary, Lost in Austin, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies)

(All links are to amazon.com.  All books in italics are books that I have reviewed.  Reviews can be found in the archives here.)

So many details of the plot and characterization details are changed in this book, it falls into the re-imagining category for me.  There are additional family members, improved social standings and some people, quite simply, are not dead.

The good news is that there is a delightful plot in addition to the word play.  It is fun and entertaining.  The bad news, for me, is that the word play does slow down the plot in places.  But then again, I am a carnivorous reader.  I blaze through a book, devouring the plot.  Upon rereading this book for the 2nd and 3rd times, I appreciated the language much more.  (This is why I always read a book 2 times before reviewing it.  Ok, except for the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.  I. Just. Couldn't.)  

There is also a bit of a nod to the 1995 BBC/A&E Pride and Prejudice movie version in the significance of the pond.  And really, who doesn't enjoy a little bit more of the pond?

Is the plot what I really think happens for Darcy and Elizabeth?  No.  Was it clever and entertaining? Absolutely.

B

Rehash vs. Revisit: No rehashing.

A

Nit Picky Little Things: I did not care for the cover art on the book cover.  

B

Wonderful Little Moments: Darcy and Elizabeth's conversation about what makes a story romantic, Darcy's jealousy, Robert, the waltz, the discussion about the author of Sense and Sensibility.  One of my favorite word plays came from Mrs. Croft working no less than 8 Colin Firth movie titles into a few pages.  

A

Originality: Croft's language and plot are one of a kind.

A+

The Moment I was Hooked: On page 3, there is a line that reads, "...please allow me to introduce you to Miss Georgianna Darcy and her younger sister, Miss Anna."  I was like, what?  A younger sister? (She is just one of the many surprises.)  At that point, my curiosity was really peaked and I wanted to read more.

A

If this book were a movie, it would be rated PG 13 for language (a little bit of cussing) and for the bawdiness of some of the puns.  They become a bit more scandalous as the book proceeds.  (Missionary, pickle, plow)   

 

We are so not farmers

We have said time and again, 

it is a good thing that we do not have to rely on our farming skills for sustenance.  

Our pumpkins ripen in July.

Our tomatoes are thriving right now...even with occasional frost.

And our sweet potatoes are disturbing.

They look like mole rats.

Embryonic mole rats.

I can't even make myself cut them up.

 

Conversations with David

So David was in the music store with me the other day. 

He sat down at the drums for 5 minutes and beat out some nice rhythms.

(Or tunes or whatever the young people are calling it these days because rhythms just makes me sound musically out of touch...and 400)

Me: David, that sounded pretty good.

David: Yeah.

And then

in the next 2 seconds my mind thought of the following:

Check and see if we can co-ordinate drum lessons with A & M's lesson times.

David has always seemed to do well with music...even though he has never had any interest.

People have told us before he seems to have perfect pitch...whatever that means.

Check and see if our friends are still selling their drum set.

Or would the kind with the headphones he was just playing be better?

I think they are cheaper than regular drums.

And that headphone option is definitely a good thing.

Because David would most likely play them in the middle of the night.

Because that is when he is most creative.

Ha - isn't that just like a musician?

Note to self - get a big red bow for Christmas morning.

Or would it be better for them to be under a huge sheet or something?

Me; (In the middle of a glassy eyed, half smile trance)

David: Yeah, I sounded good an all but it isn't like I want to take lessons and play drums or anything.

Me: Sure thing.  Whatever you like.

It was like the kid knew what I was thinking or something:)

 

 

Conversations with Max: Relaxing

Me: Max, what are you doing?

Max: Relaxing.

Me: Sincerely?

Max: Yep.

Two Peas in a Bucket on line crop and chat tonight

Pre-crop - 6-7 CT

Kandis - 7-8 CT

ME - 8-9 CT

Shannon Tidwell 9-10 CT

Prizes for participating in the crop will be given out.

Those are Central Time...um, times.

They really get the bad end on tv programming in CT...at least they have this:)

Link to more info

November 3rd: I just put up the Christmas Tree

In my mind, I'm late.  

I wanted the tree up on Nov. 1.

JD said he'd put it up on the weekend....

OR if I could drag it up from the basement myself, I could put it up earlier.

My

back

hurts

so

much!

But the tree is up.

1. I put the tree up early because I enjoy all the things about the Holidays.  Big and small.  And they seem to get compressed into a short time frame and become stressful.  I don't want to be someone who stresses over putting up the tree.  I mean - there are real things to stress about.

2. Christmas decorations do not make me less thankful at Thanksgiving.  In fact, at this moment I am very thankful to have my tree up.

3. I don't put it up early to make other people feel badly.  If someone is a bit ridiculous here, it is me.  (I embrace my ridiculousness.)  And it isn't braggie, like "Look at me, I'm winning on the race of getting things done."  I just talk about it because I am excited.  And when I am excited about something, it is hard to shut me up.  (A task some would argue is hard to do even when I am not excited.)

4. I have found that I have let Jesus' birth take a backseat to the holiday-ness of Christmas some years. I get so busy that it isn't until I am picking up wrapping paper on Dec. 26th. that I realize the absurdity of focusing on the ephemeral in place of the eternal.  By taking 1 thing off my mental Christmas to do list a day, I leave my mind less cluttered as I approach Christmas.  For me, this helps me to focus more on Christ's birth and less on having cute ribbons on packages.  

Mr. Darcy's Obsession by Abigail Reynolds

I read Mr. Darcy's Obsession in 1 sitting.  And when I finished it at 4 a.m, I turned back to page one and started to read it a second time.  Yes, it is that good.  

Abigail Reynolds has, yet again, remixed Pride and Prejudice with both familiar and new plot twists that made me race through the pages to see if Darcy and Elizabeth would end up together.  To add suspense, tension and romance to a story that has a well known ending is pretty remarkable.  And remark on it here, I shall.

Blurb from the back of the book:  

What if Elizabeth Bennet was more unsuitable for Mr. Darcy than ever...Mr. Darcy is determined to find a more suitable bride. But when he learns that Elizabeth is living in London in reduced circumstances, after her father's death robs her of her family home...                    

What if Mr. Darcy can't help himself from seeking her out....He just wants to make sure she's all right. But once he's seen her, he feels compelled to talk to her, and from there he's unable to fight the over-whelming desire to be near her, or the ever growing mutual attraction that is between them.                      

What if Mr. Darcy's intentions were shockingly dishonorable...As Darcy grapples with conflicting feelings, Elizabeth can surmise that like most men, he wants only one thing...

Language: A

Characterization: A

Plot: A+

Rehash vs. Revisit: A+

Nit Picky Little Things: A+

Wonderful Moments: A

Originality: A+

The Moment I was Hooked: A

 

Language: Lovely.

A

Characterization:  For me, the key to changing the plot of Pride and Prejudice without offending the fan is to maintain the characterization.   The main characters are very much the same as Jane Austen left them, and for that, I thank Mrs. Reynolds.  I find that I am protective of Darcy and Elizabeth and even Caroline Bingly.  When I find an author who is protective of them as well, I feel as though I can follow her down whatever garden path she would like to lead.

Darcy and Elizabeth are brilliantly written.  I didn't just read their conversations, I felt them.  The strain, the anxiety, the passion...sometimes all at once.  And I certainly think I will forever view a gloved hand differently.  

The plot and some of the characters are "earthier" and less romantically painted.  I was quite hard on The Private Life of Mr. Darcy for this. However, these additions to the plot work in this case because the characterizations were so well maintained.  I found it much  more acceptable. 

There were quite a few new characters that fit in very well, both heroes and villains. Charlie and Simms...oh, and Aunt Augusta are a few of my favorites.  

A

Plot:  You learn in the first pages that just before Darcy could propose at Rosings, Elizabeth was called away due to her father's failing health.  All of Mrs. Bennet's fears are realized as the Collins' take over the entailment of Longbourn.  Time has passed and Lizzy is now in London.  As I said before, this combination of familiar and completely new information was a wonderful way to begin the quick paced plot. There are tensions, pride, misunderstandings and relatives behaving horribly.  I really did read this book straight through from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m.  I just had to see how it would end.  Isn't that crazy?

It reminded me of Sense and Sensibility (and Vanity Fair) a bit in loosing the home to a relative, requiring the generosity of relatives and living in genteel poverty.  (Caroline's mercenary tactics and Charlotte's practicality seem prudent in this context.) 

There is one plot twist that I think will make some fans cringe a bit...however, stick with it and see if you feel better about it at the end.  I did and on the second reading, I was un-phased.

A+

Rehash vs. Revisit: Revisited conversations - but in a different context.  (Ex: "30 miles is an easy distance to travel", but the locations are different from the original book).  I found the repeating of a few lines here and there made the characters feel even more authentic.

A+

Nit Picky Little Things: None come to mind. I am that enamored with the book.

A+

Wonderful Moments: Any scene with Charlie in it, the gloves, the parks, "I wish it," carrying water, the other Aunt, Simms, "It sounded like Brighton."  And I love the cover art.  This is my new image of what Elizabeth Bennet looks like.

A

Originality:  Any author who can imagine these characters in modified plots is impressive to me.  (Without making it feel ridiculous...as if they were all improv performers in a scene and we, the audience, just started yelling out themes:  "Act it like you are all cowboys now.  Now Shakespearean theater.  Now in slow motion!" Entertaining - yes.  Excellent literature - no.)  The fact that Abigail Reynolds is among the few that have varied the plot numerous times, is impressive.  It makes me not only a fan of the book but of hers as well.

A+

The Moment I was Hooked: Page. 3.  I started to figure out where in the story we were at this point.

A 

If this book were a movie it would be rated R for references to particular behaviors. (Ok, I would rate it R, but I am sure the movie people would have it as PG 13).  It  would actually make a great movie with lush scenery and moments just ripe for romantic music to swell in the background.

Abigail Reynolds is a lifelong Jane Austen enthusiast and a physician. She began writing From Lambton to Longbourn in 2001 to spend more time with her favorite characters from Pride & Prejudice. Encouragement from fellow Austen fans convinced her to continue asking 'What if...?', which led to four other Pemberley Variations and her modern novel, Pemberley by the Sea. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Madison, Wisconsin  (condensed from the back of the book)

Her web site: www.pemberleyvariations.com/

Disclaimer: I was asked by to review this book by the Sourcebooks and received a free advance copy of it.   However, a free book wouldn't cause me to loose sleep.  A really well written story would.  And it did.

Conversations with Max: School in Texas

Max: You know what they learn in school in Texas?

Me: What?

Max: You learn to ride a horse and shoot a gun.

Me: In school?

Max: Yeah.  And that's IT.

Me: Nothing else?

Max: No.  No Math.  Nothing else.

Me: How do you know this?

Max: A kid in my small group at church told me this.  And it it true.  His Dad went to school in Texas.  I mean, you can't argue with a kid whose Dad is from Texas about things in Texas.  

Me: Not if he grew up learning to ride a horse and shoot a gun.  

(On a side note, Max had just finished his Math lesson.  I think he is thumbing through Texas travel brochures now.)