Homemade Vanilla Extract

Problem: Good-quality vanilla extract is hard to find & really expensive.  And did you know that it can be labeled "pure" but can contain corn syrup, caramel, colors and stabilizers?  YUCK!   

Solution: Make your own!

What I've learned about Halloween Costumes

Trick-or-Treating on our teeny tiny island is a small but sweet event for kids.  With our steep hills and neighborhoods absent of paved roads and sidewalks, you won't see ghosts and goblins going door-to-door.  Instead island families convene for candy and treats shared by local businesses and shops at Moongoose Junction, an outdoor mall / social center of sorts.  By 6 o'clock it's chaos with a sea of kids in costume on sugar highs, while parents and onlookers catch up with friends and enjoy a few cocktail treats of their own.  But I'm off subject...

More Coco’-lanterns

This week Milan and I painted coconuts and created our own island style versions of Halloween jack-o-lanterns or coco'-lanterns.  We used the coconuts we found on the beach over the weekend and some non-toxic, washable finger paint.  It was a nice change to finger paint on something other then paper, and making a big mess on the deck was an added bonus!  The best part was watching the coconuts roll everywhere when she discovered that they were easier to roll then to carry.  Thankfully, it all washed away quite easily.  These are our masterpieces displayed in our dining room (it's outdoors).  

Coco’-lantern

I love to decorate for Christmas but Halloween not so much. Perhaps it's because living in the VI it just doesn't feel like fall.  I don't know, the rich fall colors imparted by halloween decorations just seem out of place here.  We don't have that hallmark sudden change in temperature announcing autumn's arrival, but then again we are still swimming in the ocean & relaxing in the sand.  Ahh...trade-offs!  

A few years back I started making coco'-lanterns for halloween.  It's my own tropical twist on the classic pumpkin jack-o’-lantern.  

Decking My Halls

We've been traveling and I got a very late start on Christmas decorations, I'm still decorating as we speak.  Truth be told it's been a daunting task this year with the house renovation and chasing after a one year old.  But Christmas is my favorite holiday and it's Milan's first christmas at home so I really wanted to make it special.  My strategy this year was to choose to work on just a few big & bold projects.  Maximum impact with minimal work!  Here are a few of my favorite decorations this year...

The Stockings Were Hung

George & I didn't grow up with many holiday traditions so it's been fun to try new things and create our own as the years go by.  Now with the addition of Milan we think it's even more important to create traditions that will define our family and last for years to come.  For example, her Memory Christmas Stocking that we hope will create a sentimental collage of all of her favorite childhood memories & interests.  Like a charm bracelet, each year we'll add one special item, ornament or keepsake to the stocking that best represents her love & passions for the year.