Friday Frame #9: Merry Christmas!

Wish all my readers a Merry Christmas! Hope you all are having a beautiful time on this joyous occasion!

Digital collage created by Modern Gypsy.

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If you have any artwork or photography to share, please leave a comment, a link back to your blog and your e-mail address, and I’ll feature it on an upcoming Friday Frame!

Wandering Wednesday #9: Christmas treats!

Danish Christmas tree

With Christmas just round the corner, I’m sure you’ve all got your trees up and your shopping done. Now, it’s time to think about the Christmas feast!

Christmas in India is incomplete without plum cake – I can eat huge quantities of it in a single sitting! This year, how about trying out this divine looking German plum cake – a new twist to an old tradition – or then try baking an Indian plum cake.

You could give your celebrations a French twist this year with this yummy bûche de Noël or Chocolate Yule Log cake.

With the weather outside growing colder, there’s nothing more delightful than a glass of warm mulled wine. I also found  a recipe for a chilled mulled wine – not sure if it’s for me, but you could certainly give it a try if you like!

With drinks and desert out of the way, it’s time to think about the main course!

How about this flavorful mustard and maple syrup glazed ham, or a fiery, Goan Pork Vindaloo served over boiled rice? If you’d rather take the roasted route, try out this Italian rosemary garlic roast turkey, or keep things simple, with this yummy Chicken with New Potatoes.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions and treats?

(Click to read older Wandering Wednesday posts)

It’s the time of gifting: unique Christmas gifts

Christmas isn’t a major festival here in India, and for most of us, the frenzied search for that perfect gift happens during Diwali. But I can’t pass up any excuse to demand a gift from the husband now, can I?

Sometimes it gets difficult to find that perfect gift…something that is unique and beautiful…that will leave a lasting impression and bring constant pleasure.

Like a Wish tree, for example. Hindus believe that if you tie a sacred thread around the trunk of a banyan tree, your wish will come true. How about gifting a loved this pretty wish tree from RedEnvelope? It comes with 100 paper tags with a pink cherry blossom background tied with string. Just write your wish and hang it on the tree!

(Click on images to go to the product’s website.)

Women love jewelry, so how about surprising your special someone with this gorgeous Tree of life pendant from Uncommon Goods?

Or with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind Murano pendant from Glass of Venice?

Patagonia Gifts has an excellent range of Celtic cross jewelry, like these unique cuff links for men.

Do you want something to dress up your walls instead? Why not gift someone this pretty wall mounted aquarium?

Or how about getting your photographs converted into Warhol style paintings and displaying them on your wall? It takes a while, because the paintings are handcrafted, but it’s sure to make your walls pop!

There you have it, an assortment of unique gift ideas that are guaranteed to be a hit!

Take a look at some more of my favorite things for more gifting ideas!

Got any gifting ideas of your own? You know I’d love to see them!