A Little Sparkle and a Cake

I promised to show you the transition from Christmas lights to New Year.  My little tree was on the library table in the living room. I think the hardest part of taking down the decorations each year, is missing all those brilliant little lights. They chase away the winter dark, and I always need that! The corner is a dark one anyway, and even darker this time of year.  I found these lighted branches on clearance at Home Depot after the New Year.  I have seen them everywhere from the grocery store to Kohl's, so they aren't hard to find.  I had the large mercury glass vase and some faux evergreen branches and I am happy to say the lighted branches were the perfect transition from Christmas to January. They made me miss the lights on the tree a whole lot less, and the added bonus is I know I'll use them next year at Christmas time.  

 Truth be told though, I am beginning to crave a little green and some color.  I am not a winter girl and winter has finally arrived in Michigan with blowing snow and bitter cold temps.  It had to happen, I know, but where everyone else sees cozy and hot cocoa, I just see a whole lot of snow. Give me green grass under my toes and balmy nights sitting in the garden.  I'm already counting the days until Spring.  This little vignette will soon give way to something living and green.

I also wanted to share this little beauty that Earl made for a New Years party we went to.  I know it's a bit late but this deserves to be shared.  It's a "Stump de Noel" and he had such fun making this.  Marzipan leaves and acorns, meringue mushrooms and shelf fungus and pistachio moss. That man is amazing!

 The cake itself was eggnog flavor and the frosting is chocolate ganache.  He made the "dirt" with ground up chocolate oreos.  I think I'll keep him. It was quite the way to bring in the New Year!

How are you doing this second full week of January? Are you dreaming of green yet?