Over the summer, I discovered a jar of cinnamon in the pantry. I have no idea how old it was, but it was old and long forgotten. I scrawled “For Ornaments” across the label and set it where I could see it, so I'd remember in December to use it for cinnamon applesauce ornaments.
Some friends of ours, two states ago, gave us a cinnamon applesauce ornament. It's been one of my favorites for years and always makes the cut for tree decorating. (Depending on our selected tree, we don't always hang every ornament.) I've always wanted to try making cinnamon applesauce ornaments, and this was the year to do it.
We used this recipe from 33BarefootLane, because I loved the addition of cloves and nutmeg. These ornaments—and the whole house—smell amazing! I was too impatient to let them completely air dry, though. I baked them at 170° F for two hours, turning every 30 minutes, and then let them sit out another 24 hrs. This morning we brushed silver acrylic paint on one side, then added green, red, and silvery white glitter.
I immediately wanted to make another batch, but I'm holding off for next year. I'm keeping my eye out for some clearance cinnamon. ;)
After ornament painting, some long-time friends of ours came over for a game day. With all the electronic entertainment that occupies kids these days, I find it's really nice to have an old-fashioned round of board games. Last month I organized an after school class at our elementary school—all we did was play board games for an hour. It was a huge hit, and I'm planning to make it a regular offering.
We've been running around like crazy these last few weeks, and it was lovely to slow down and just play. With no school this week and no plans until Saturday, I'm hoping to “slow down and just play” for the next few days. A little wrapping, a little baking, a lot of reclining and snuggling.
