A Blast from the Past-Alabama

 

     Many, many years ago...a much younger "Mom" was strictly interested in Rock and Roll music. Country music, at the time meant Johnny Cash, George Jones and Loretta Lynn...all of which were way too country for "Mom's" 20-something ears to stand.

 

     Along came Randy Owen (above), Teddy Gentry, Mark Herndon and Jeff Cook with the band Alabama to change my mind. Songs Tennessee River, Feels So Right, Mountain Music, The Closer You Get and so many more country pop songs, made me for the first time take notice of the genre. I bought all of their albums, saw their concerts and even had a kiss on the cheek from Randy right before the picture above was taken (yes, that is a leather headband around my forehead, it was the 80's!). I was a fan...not of all country music, but certainly of Alabama. I wasn't the only one. Their list of awards is long and varied. For several years, they were the face of country music.

 

     In 2003-2004, the group went on their Farewell Tour and while they have reunited for special events since, the band that was a part of my music life for many years, had pretty much disappeared off of the radar.

 

     I was excited to see the release of their new album, Alabama & Friends, in August. It includes some of their old songs, sung by their friends as well as two new songs by the group themselves. As I played the music, I remembered why it was that they were my first, favorite country group. The new Alabama songs are fresh and timely, the older songs are wonderfully sung by current artists. I couldn't help but sing and smile my way through the entire thing. I am still a rock and roll girl, but Alabama opened my eyes to contemporary country music back in the 80's and I am still a fan today.  

 

     I wasn't given this album to review,

      nor was I compensated in any way.

 

      

 

YMCA

 

     Oh yes we did! We saw the Village People at Epcot! April was quite the month for me, the Doobie Brothers and the Village People within a few days of each other! Talk about blasting back to my past!

 

 

     For those of you who are too young to remember the Village People (I really think everyone knows their music), they are a disco group that formed in 1977. They were  known for their on-stage wardrobe that copied American cultural stereotypes, as well as their sexy dance music.

 

     Speaking as someone who was in my early 20's, living in the Midwest, I was very aware of the group and had no idea that they were originally created to target disco's gay audience by featuring popular gay fantasy personas. The name "Village People" comes from New York City's Greenwich Village, which had a large gay population in the 70's. I was clueless at the time, I just knew that the music was fun, good and easy to dance to!

 

 

     During Epcot's Flower and Garden show, they offer free "flower power" concerts on the weekends. We actually picked our week to visit because we thought this concert would be so good and we weren't disappointed. The group retains two original members, Felipe Rose (the Native American) and Alex Briley (the soldier). Ray Simpson (brother of Ashford and Simpson's Valerie Simpson) is almost an original, first joining the group in 1980. He is the lead singer and portrays the Cop and the Navy Officer for In the Navy. Glenn Hughes, the original biker, died of lung cancer at age 50 in 2001 and Mark Mussler, the original construction worker for the first year, died of AIDS at age 33 in 1987.

 

 

     The guys range in age from 47 to 66. We weren't exactly sure what to expect considering we remembered the costumes and the dances of the 70's. To quote my daughter, "these guys can really move for old men"! They certainly could. For those of you that remember their moves...and all the things they did with those microphone stands...they can still do them! They also sounded exactly the way I remembered. My only complaint is that the show was too short as Disney has them do 3 shows a night. What I appreciated seeing as we were leaving was that they stayed out in the audience giving autographs, shaking hands and talking to the super fans. It also should be said that they had one of the largest audiences my daughter has seen at one of these concerts and it was a very interesting and colorful audience!

 

 

      In case you have forgotten what made this group famous, click and listen to: Macho Man, In The Navy or a current version of YMCA. A Good time was had by all!

 

 

There are times when I am doing something that

I just can't quite believe I am doing it...

this was one of those times!

 

It Is About "Time"

 

It is a musical week on I Need Mom!

I wanted to post this today as the album was released.

My suggestion...buy it!

 

     I grew up listening to Rod Stewart. I was in high school when the album Every Picture Tells A Story came out. When I hear that raspy voice, I am right back there with Maggie May and Reason to Believe.  Over the years there were albums I liked and some I didn't, songs that stuck in my head (remember Hot Legs) and others that were forgotten, but I always was a fan.

 

     Then, in 2002, Rod began a decade of doing The Great American Songbook series. He started by singing songs from the 30's and 40's and gradually moved on to old standards and old rock covers. He lost me. Those album were very successful, but I missed the Rod Stewart that was creative and a little crazy with his music. I found a quote where he said that Time, is a rock album of his own original material. It marks a return to songwriting after what Stewart termed "a dark period for twenty years"; he said that writing his autobiography gave him the impetus to write music again. As a fan, I couldn't be happier.

 

     Time, released today, May 7th, 2013, marks Stewart's long-awaited return to his songwriting roots and features 12 tracks, 11 of which he wrote and produced. Rod rediscovered his voice as a songwriter and rekindled his gift for writing the honest, nerve-touching narratives that have been the cornerstone to the first three decades of his career. "Suddenly ideas for lyrics were piling up in my head," he says. "Next thing I knew, I had a song called 'It's Over' about divorce and separation. And now I was getting up in the middle of the night and scrambling for a pen to write things down, which has never happened to me. I finished seven or eight songs very quickly and I still wasn't done, and it became apparent that I would eventually have a whole album of material to record."

     It took about 2 seconds to realize that this album was while new and creative, flavored with the happy, feel good songs of the Rod Stewart I always enjoyed. Opening with She Makes Me Happy (watch the video here), one would never know that Mr. Stewart is 68-years-old. You can't tell by his hairstyle either as somehow, it remains the same over all these years. It's Over is a beautiful ballad that will touch so many hearts as it speaks of the end of a marriage. Beautiful Morning is a feel good song that will have you singing along and Finest Woman sounds very much like an old Rod Stewart rock song.

      What I love most is that this is rock album for my generation. Every song "tells a story" that I can relate to as a grown-up. I can only say that this record was a very pleasant surprise that I will be listening to often. Time is available on iTunes and Amazon. Along with the release of Time, Stewart is set to embark on the European leg of his Live the Life tour on June 1st, while American dates with Steve Winwood will kick off October 17th.


Time-Track Listing:
 1. She Makes Me Happy
2. Can’t Stop Me Now
3. It’s Over4. Brighton Beach
5. Beautiful Morning
6. Live The Life
7. Finest Woman
8. Time
9. Picture In A Frame
10. Sexual Religion
11. Make Love To Me Tonight
12. Pure Love

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Michael Bublé "To Be Loved"

 

     Michael Bublé is one of those artists that I really like as a person. I think he would be fun to have over for dinner, he seems to have a great sense of humor and to be an all around great guy. I truly respect his talent and I think that he is one of those rare artists that sings the classics beautifully, but also transitions into today's pop music when the occasion arises.

 

     With all of that said, I personally don't listen to the old standards. I think they remind me too much of my "parent's music" and the days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. When I was asked to listen and review Michael's new album, "To Be Loved", I accepted the offer because I was curious.

 

     Known as a Canadian Crooner, Bublé wants to "take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," with this album. He says it  "rocks, it’s soulful, it’s happy, sometimes a little sad. It’s romantic, it’s yummy, and it’s heartfelt."  The album covers songs by Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, and more. In the mix of golden standards are four original songs co-written by Bublé, dipping into his personal life for inspiration.

 

 

     As I listened to the album, I found an interesting pattern in my response to the music. The standards are done beautifully, it goes without saying that Michael's voice is as smooth as silk. So, if you are a fan of the older songs...you will love this album. The surprise for me was that the songs that made me stop and listen that I really enjoyed the most, were each one co-written by Bublé and each was beautiful. My favorite song on the album is "Close Your Eyes" which was written for his wife and the other women in his life. It is beautiful and so obviously sung from his heart. "After All" is sung with Bryan Adams and is another of my favorites. There is no doubt this man has a long career in his future as both a performer and I hope as a song writer...he excels at both!

 

     "To Be Loved" is available now on iTunes and Amazon. You can watch Michael sing "To Love Somebody" by clicking here.

 

To Be Loved Track Listing:

 

1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"

2. "It's a Beautiful Day"

3. "To Love Somebody"

4. "Who's Lovin You"

5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)

6. "Come Dance with Me"

7. "Close Your Eyes"

8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)

9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)

10. "To Be Loved"

11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"  

12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)

13. "I Got It Easy"    

14. "Young at Heart"

 

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Time for a little music...GIVEAWAY!!

      Those of you that read my blog regularly know that I do love my music! I'm always happy when I am contacted to review a new CD (although I do turn down the ones I know I won't enjoy). I was intrigued when I was contacted by Sneak Attack Media to listen, review and giveaway a copy of the new TV Soundtrack from NCIS Los Angeles. Many of you will know this as the CBS hit series which stars LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell. It focuses on a division of NCIS that is charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals that pose a threat to the nation’s security. It is on Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT. 

     I wasn't sure what the soundtrack would be like. Released by Artists’ Addiction Records, it is a specially produced soundtrack album showcasing music from the hit television series. The compilation features new, exclusive—and in some cases previously unreleased—tracks from some of today’s top artists, including series star and Grammy Award winner LL Cool J, Taio Cruz, Alex Clare, Jakob Dylan, Daughtry, Allen Stone, Ryan Bingham, Ice Cube and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. 

One of the soundtrack’s breakout tracks is from emerging Dutch songstress Caro Emerald, who has been called the ‘Dutch Adele. The soundtrack producer, Mark Wike, says "this soundtrack album encapsulates the myriad of musical pulses that flow through the City of Angels. From the folky canyons, down through the night clubs of Hollywood, to the urban sprawl, it has it all."

 

     This music is definitely current and gritty. My favorite song is Daughtry's Never Die. It is easy to imagine that these are the songs of NCIS: LA. You can listen to the album on Rolling Stone Music, click here.

 

     If you would like a chance to win a copy of the NCIS:LA Soundtrack, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me you are interested. I will pick a winner on April 23rd. Good luck!

 

 

NCIS: LA Track Listings*

 1. Never Die (Daughtry)*

2. Wine & Vinegar (The Wild Feathers)*

3. Lipstick On His Collar (Caro Emerald)

4. No More (LL COOL J feat. Ne-Yo)

5. Shotcaller (Taio Cruz)*

6. Alive (Adrian Lux feat. The Good Natured)

7. Everythang’s Corrupt (Ice Cube)

8. Mama Gonna Punish You (Allen Stone)*

9. Devil In The Back Seat (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club)*

10. Lonesome Valley (Ryan Bingham)*

11. Shuffle A Dream (Little Dragon)

12. Where Is The Heart? (Alex Clare)*

13. Arms Of A Ghost (Jakob Dylan)

14. Misery (The Gaslight Anthem) *

15. Your Next Move (Zac Brennan)
*

16. Kerosene (Jim Hanft)

 

* previously unreleased in North America

 

About Artists’ Addiction Records
Artists’ Addiction Records, formed in 2005 by Principal Jonathan Scott Miller, encompasses Artists’ Addiction Music Publishing and Stop! Go music supervision. The multifaceted company’s mission is to bring consumers and clients the finest in branded entertainment, soundtrack production and music supervision. This includes soundtracks to contemporary films and television shows, album releases from known artists, soundtrack production and music supervision of various high profile films, television and commercials. Past projects include Saw 1-6, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, NCIS, 90210, Stomp The Yard and Charmed.

Old black water, keep on rollin', Mississippi moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me

 

     Last week was a busy week for us. In the midst of the busy, on Wednesday night I got to do something that was on my "bucket list"! I finally, after decades, got to see the Doobie Brothers right here in my own town. To make it even better, two good friends made the drive from our old hometown to go to the concert and then we had a sleepover at my house. My husband grew up with Doobies music too, so he went to the concert but he went to bed long before we did. We were up until almost 3:00 a.m. catching up on our kids, friends and life in general. Between the concert and the girls...I felt 17 again...until later the next day when I ended up going to bed at 9:00 p.m. If only our bodies could stay as young as our heads and hearts!

 

 

     Many of you that read my blog are about my age, so I know you are very familiar with the Doobie hits. The Doobies formed in 1970, so for me...all of my high school and college memories are set to the backdrop of their hit songs. Listen to the Music, Jesus is Just Alright, China Grove, Long Train Runnin', Black Water, Take Me In Your Arms and Takin' It To the Streets all bring back memories of high school dances and smoky college bars with small dance floors. When they struck the first chord of the first song, I was smiling from ear to ear and it didn't stop for the entire night.

 

     Original members Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston (the voices of the Doobies) are still with the group, along with John McFee who has also been with the group since the 70's. It is so refreshing to see a group that can play their instruments, can truly sing and were literally "jamming" on stage. Keyboard, sax, violin...they do it all and every song was amazing. This was a rock concert at its best...they played their old hits and a few new songs from their last album. The crowd was on their feet and a good time was had by all. If you ever get the chance to see them...take it!

 

     For you "young ones" that read my blog and want to know more about this band, click the song links above or visit their website. We baby boomers really do know how to rock and roll!

 

Hopefully, this week I will have a

bit more time to visit your blogs!

 

 

Safe Haven-CD Review

     I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been seeing the commercials for the new film, Safe Haven and I can't wait. In theatres Valentine's Day February 14^th, 2013, Safe Haven is directed by Oscar®-nominee Lasse Hallström and based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Josh Duhamel (love him), Julianne Hough (love her too). It is an affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman who struggles to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town. 

     I was contacted recently by Big Picture Media to see if I would be interested in listening to and reviewing the soundtrack for the film. 

     I had already purchased the song,  "We Both Know" by Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw and I have been playing it constantly. It is one of those beautiful ballads that you just can't hear too many times. You can watch the video here. So, I jumped at the chance to hear the rest of the soundtrack.  Produced by Relativity Music Group and Republic Records, it features artists that were new to me as well as Caillat and DeGraw. 

     I got the tracks today and the music doesn't disappoint. Tristan Prettyman's, Say Anything, is one of my favorite tunes.

We won't break if we let go

You and I already know

We were bound to be set free

Even surely, here we are now

You can say anything

     Canoeing (Katie and Alex's Theme) by Deborah Lurie almost made me cry and I haven't even seen the film yet! The soundtrack ends with Go Your Own Way, which will make most of us think of Fleetwood Mac, but which is done beautifully by Lissie for the film. I would say the music tends to be what I would consider a cross between folk and pop. The artists have that song-writer vibe that is so interesting and popular right now. A film that I already wanted to see is only going to be enhanced by this excellent soundtrack. 

Tracks:

Colbie Caillat featuring Gavin DeGraw- "We Both Know"

Tristan Prettyman- "Say Anything"

Ben Howard- "Keep Your Head Up"

Dar Williams- "Summer Child"

The White Buffalo- "Sleepy Little Town"

Gareth Dunlop- "Wrap Your Arms Around Me"

Sara Haze- "Moonshine"

FM Radio- "The Journey"

Brandi Carlile- "Heart's Content" (Strings Mix)

Amos Lee- "Violin"

The Deep Dark Woods- "My Baby's Got To Pay The Rent"

Deborah Lurie- "Canoeing" (Katie and Alex's Theme)

Lissie-"Go Your Own Way"

     The Safe Haven soundtrack is available to pre-order on iTunes. For more information on Safe Haven visit www.safehavenfilm.com. 

     My only compensation for this review was to be able to listen to the soundtrack (4 time only) in order to write the review. 

Don't forget my GIVEAWAY

Click Here

Crafting and Concerting!

     I think that most of you that read my blog on a regular basis know that I don't "craft". I work with florals, I cook and on rare occasions I attempt a bit more...but, I'm not very good at it. So, for me to actually make something is a big deal! When we were in St. Charles, MO I saw something in a shop that I liked. I just wasn't willing to pay the price that was being asked, so I decided to attempt to make something similar. I didn't take any pictures of their version, but I'm happy with mine. It is probably better that I can't see what the original looked like!

     It starts with an old book. I bought mine at Goodwill and I looked for one with rough edges on the pages. I brushed a little tea along the pages to darken them and make them look more worn.

The little mouse I bought for $6.99. I loved it that he was

reading The Night Before Christmas!

     I couldn't find any wrapping paper that looked like old Christmas paper, so I bought a large gift bag and cut it to make a book cover. I left the long edge exposed, and folded the paper at the top and bottom edges of the book as if I were wrapping a gift. A touch of the glue gun held the paper in place. Brown kraft paper was burned around the edges (do this over the sink, I had to turn on the water to put out a couple of fires) and the beginning  words of The Night Before Christmas were printed on it before attaching it to the covered book with Mod Podge. After attaching the wording, go over the entire front of the book with Mod Podge and add a hint of glitter if you want to.

I tied a bit of twine around the book and added the mouse

to the top with a drop of hot glue. Easy!

     Saturday night we went to see Lee Greenwood's Christmas Concert at our local theater. Over the years I've enjoyed a few Lee Greenwood songs, but I think in recent years he has mostly been known for singing God Bless the USA at various important events. Knowing that he sang it right after 9/11 for the firefighters and police made it even more of an honor to be in the same room with him when he sang it. The entire audience (sold out theater) stood during the song. It is certainly no wonder that Lee has won many awards, his voice is like velvet.

     He has a new Christmas album and one of my favorite songs was Til The Season Comes Around Again. Click here if you'd like to hear it. If you get a chance to see him in concert, I highly recommend it.

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas...

     Every year at this time, I try to make a music playlist of Christmas songs that are not "traditional" but touch my heart in some way. I have many Christmas CDs that I play often, but I love finding new or at least "new to me" holiday music. I thought I'd share my playlist for this year. I found all of the songs on iTunes. You can click on the ones that are highlighted to hear them. Enjoy.

The Heart of Christmas-Matthew West
Bring Christmas Home-Lee Greenwood
I Pray-Benjamin Utecht & Jim Brickman
Day After Christmas-Matthew West
Christmas Just Does This to Me-Matt Wertz
When Love Was Born-Mark Schultz
Christmas Eve-Benjamin Utecht
Christmas Spirit-Richard Marx
Give This Christmas Away-Matthew West & Amy Grant
When the Rain Turns to Snow-Lee Greenwood
The Blessings-Alabama
It Could Happen Again-Collin Raye
December Makes Me Feel This Way-Dave Koz
Christmas Eve With You-Glee Cast Version

Taking Care of Business! A Winner and a New Giveaway!

   I have lots of posts coming up about places and things we saw on our recent trip, but first I need to take care of a little business! A Winner and Another Giveaway!

contest has ended

     Before I left town, I was asked by Sneak Attack Media if I would review legendary singer-songwriter Daryl Hall's new CD. Laughing Down Crying is his fifth solo studio album. I jumped at the chance because I always loved Hall's soulful vocals when he sang with John Oates. However, the CD arrived while I was gone, so I'm just now having the chance to hear it. I've played it through 3 times now and I am really enjoying it. Hall’s newest collection feels fresh and current while still maintaining his signature style and songwriting skills. He was joined in the studio by co-producers Greg Bieck (Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, Ricky Martin) and Paul Pesco for the making of this album. Powerhouse producer, the late T-Bone Wolk (Billy Joel, Carly Simon, Elvis Costello) lent his expertise on stand-out tracks “Lifetime of Love,” “Wrong Side of History” and “Problem With You.” This album serves as the last project they worked on together after a prolific 30-year relationship.
  
     What I like most about this album is the variety. Talking to You sounds a bit like a Hall and Oates song, Save Me makes you want to stand up and yell hallelujah, Crash and Burn tugs at your heart. I didn't find anything about the album that I didn't enjoy. You can check out Daryl's latest news on his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter!

   Sneak Attack Media has generously agreed to send one of my readers a copy of Laughing Down Crying. All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post and I'll draw out a name to win the CD! I'll pick a winner Sunday, October 23rd.

The Winner of my Tate's Cookie and Cookbook Giveaway Is:

Ricki Jill Treleaven from Art @ Home

Congrats!

   

Grab Your Kleenix-I'm Gonna Love You Through It

     I first saw this video on Good Morning America last week. I love the story it tells of love and friendship. My husband is a cancer survivor. If you are fighting the battle, have won the battle or have a loved one who is currently struggling, this video will touch your heart. In fact, it will touch your heart anyway. 

Date Night...Boomer Style

     If you are anywhere near my age and you love music as much as I do...I have something to tell you about. This isn't a review, no one gave me anything free or asked me to blog about it. This post is written straight from the soul of an aging baby boomer who was transported all the way back to her earliest musical memories and traveled through a lifetime of music, without ever leaving home Friday night.

     For Christmas this year, one of the gifts I bought my husband was The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concerts DVD. This 2-night concert was filmed in Madison Square Garden at the end of 2009 and filmed for HBO. We don't have HBO, so when I found that it had become available on DVD I ordered it from Amazon. We finally had a chance Friday night to watch it and I think when I tell you that we started watching before 7:00 p.m. and it was 11:00 p.m. before we knew it, you will get the idea of just how great it was! Some of you will understand when I say that my husband sat in his comfy chair, in the dark and stayed wide awake for 4 hours...this is a big deal!

     The snippets on television after the live concert took place, showed duets and unexpected combinations of singers. I had no idea just how much fun that would be to watch. Crosby, Stills & Nash singing backup for Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Paul Simon; Aretha Franklin with Annie Lennox; Metallica with Ray Davies from the Kinks; Stevie Wonder and Sting, U2 with Mick Jagger & Fergie; Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. Hour after hour of the best of the best.

     When I'm asked what my first "favorite song" was, I always go back to the first time I heard a song on the radio that stopped me in my tracks and touched my heart. The year was 1966 and Sounds of Silence was the number #1 song on New Year's Day that year. I was 11-years-old. When the two singers of that song stepped out on the stage together and began to sing...I had no doubt as to why that song has stayed with me all these years. Their voices are still so perfect together that I got chills. I was able to find a couple of clips of from the concert of what was the highlight for me.

Sounds of Silence-Simon & Garfunkel

Bridge Over Troubled Water-Simon & Garfunkel

Crosby, Stills and Nash

John Foggerty and Bruce Springsteen

Bono and Mick

My husband's favorites were 

Jackson Browne sing with Crosby, Stills and Nash and

John Foggerty with Bruce Springsteen

If I could buy each of my middle-aged friends a gift...this would be it!

Not only was it fun to watch the first time, it makes great background music to

keep you wanting to move around the house!

$28.99 at Amazon and

Worth it!

Cloches, Cookies, Carols and a Code

     It is that time again...Marty is having a cloche party! Each time she has one, I seem to have added a cloche or two to my collection. I have been blogging 16 months and I didn't have any before I started blogging! The chippy one above has some "snow" and two tiny mercury glass trees along with a vintage ornament.

I love this tiny new one with its brush tree and church.

I haven't shown you my new favorite brush tree!

     I can finally show you the entire table. Don't look too closely or you will see I have a table runner thrown over the banister waiting to do a tablescape.

This isn't exactly a cloche...but it is glass and it holds things!

You saw my created cloches using my mom's silver on an earlier post.

The Santa ornament is very old and so fragile.

A jar full of ornaments sits on the table near the tree.

Finally, on my bedroom dresser...

a jar filled with some of my vintage ornaments.

You can see my son's picture in the mirror...

not sure he'd be thrilled about that!

     Now, for the cookie part of this post! I went to a cookie exchange this week and I knew that everyone else was bringing something made with chocolate, so I decided to do something simple and festive. This is a sugar cookie recipe that I've had for many years. It is different than most, it produces a slightly crisp cookie. What I love is that a batch makes 5 dozen cookies that look pretty without requiring rolling, cutting and frosting!

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

1 tsp. baking soda

4 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. cream of tarter

1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheets.

Cream together butter, oil, sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and 2 eggs and mix well. Blend in flour, baking soda, cream of tarter and salt until well mixed dough is formed. Using a small ice cream type scoop (or a teaspoon) dip out dough and roll into balls. Roll into colored sugar (sanding sugar works best) place on greased cookie sheet and lightly press to slightly flatten. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be lightly brown on the bottom but still light colored on the top. Cool on racks. Makes 5 dozen.

I selected my sugar colors to match the cello bags I found at WalMart.

I also did a few in my favorite sugar blend.

     Now, for the carols! Every year I make a CD with my favorite songs of the season. I tend to like the ones that aren't traditional favorites. I couldn't find links to everything on my CD, but I thought I'd share the ones that I could find.

1. The Christmas Hope

2. Christmas Is

3. The Greatest Gift of All (Your Love)
4. It's Not Christmas Without You
5. The Christmas Blessing
6. Where Are You Christmas
7. Reason For The Season
8. The Gift
9. I Believe In Christmas
10. My Christmas Prayer
11. Christmas Offering
12. Ordinary Days
13. The Perfect Gift
14. Peace (Where the Heart Is)
15. Finally Christmas
16. Sometimes Christmas Makes Me Cry
17. Coming Home For Christmas
18. Instrument of Peace

Now the Code! April Cornell (aprilcornell.com) is offering my readers a discount code to use on their site. It is an Exclusive Tablescaper promotional code to use online. Please enter LINEN10OFF  at Checkout. They are currently offering a limited time promotion of 25% off current season product to which you can add your code for 10%. I didn't receive anything for sharing this information, but it is a good deal to pass along to all of you.

I am linking to the following parties in Blogland...please visit our hostesses!

Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for the Cloche Party

Michael @ Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday