Happy New Year!!! We  are delighted that you have stopped by for the first Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop of 2025!  Let’s take a look at some featured favorites from our final party of 2024 and then see what you all have brought to our party this week.

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Featured Posts

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Chewy Gingerdoodle Cookies from Bloghetti!

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This blog contains Amazon affiliate links.♥

 

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DIY Winter Wall Hanging Decoration in Minutes from Crazy Little Love Birds

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Snuggle up in this cozy faux fur blanket and stay WARM this winter! ♥

Cozy Bliss Faux Fur Throw Blanket for Couch, Cozy Soft Plush Thick Winter Blanket for Sofa Bedroom Living Room, 50 * 60 Inches Beige

 

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Low Carb Sausage Balls from My Life Abundant

 

So let’s get this party started!

Meet The Hosts

1. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

 

Plagued by PET HAIR??? 

When I first tried a Shark vacuum cleaner I almost cried for joy.  Everything about it is wonderful.  That was over 10 years ago and SHARK is still my go-to vacuum for lots of reasons but, especially, the pet hair pickup. 

It is my dream come true!

 

  Welcome to the Happiness is Homemade Link Party 565. We are excited about another month of sharing, linking, reading, Pinning and inspiration.  Linda, from A Labour of Life is our hostess for the month of December!  Thanks, Linda❤️  

As I said last week though, when my life gets overwhelming I seek inspiration from all of you. Something a little different this week because Sebastian is here visiting. Today’s features are specially selected by Seb and I together.   But enough about me, lets talk about you. Come dazzle us with what you are making, baking and creating this week! .

Happiness is Homemade Features

 

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

On thing I love about the holidays is ENDLESS desserts!  Cookies, cakes, pies, pastries … on and on.  These beautiful Thumbprint Cookies from Cincy Shopper are yummy and so pretty for your table! . . This blog contains Amazon affiliate links.❤️   . .

Holiday goodie baking continues as 2025 approaches! 

 

Baking Sheet Set of 2, Bastwe 18 inch Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Baking Pan, Professional Bakeware Oven Tray, Healthy & Non-toxic, Rust Free & Mirror Finish, Easy Clean & Dishwasher Safe

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Easy Reindeer Mason Jar Christmas Craft

My Grandson is here for the holidays, so his first pick is from 24 Hour Family. Complete a fun and easy Reindeer Mason Jar Christmas Craft to create decorative pieces that you can keep or hand out to loved ones as gifts. These reindeer mason jars are adorable and do not take long to make when using the right supplies. . .

Party Panache, New Years Party Food Ideas

Next up is a feature that Seb and I both loved. Perfect for New Years Eve. Charcuterie boards not only make an impressive presentation, they are fun to make. There are infinite possibilities and combinations. Anything goes,and you don’t even have to cook! This is a cute and simple charcuterie clock made with crackers, salami and cheese. . . .

How to Make Easy Almond Checkerboard Cookies

Another unanimous choice, these charming cookie creations from Ann’s Entitled Life. Not your average everyday cookies. They are a visual masterpiece with striking colored squares that make them look like a work of art. As enticing as they are to the eye, they are equally delightful to the palate. . .

Treat yourself to a wonderful gift — a Shark upright vacuum cleaner!  It works great for all kinds of cleanup but especially PET HAIR pickup.  

Best Pet Hair Vacuums!

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Melting Snowman Cupcakes with Marshmallows

Everyone will LOVE this adorable and tasty Melting Snowman Cupcakes — holiday recipe shared with us from Cincy Shopper! .

On to the Party!

. Thank you for joining us this week whether you are a blogger sharing your latest posts OR a reader enjoying all of the inspirational shares!  Don’t forget to drop by and say hello to all our hostesses, they always appreciate your visit! Here are all of our hostesses at Happiness Is Homemade! Linda @ A Labour of Life Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess Mel @ Décor Craft Design Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife Would you like to be a part of Happiness Is Homemade? We are looking for hostesses to join our team. If you are interested, please email any one of the Happiness Is Homemade hostesses and let them know. We would love to have you join our party. .

COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray – Keep Your Hair Frizz-Free and Shiny No Matter the Weather with Award-Winning Anti-Humidity Treatment

Welcome to the Happiness is Homemade Link Party.   Linda, from A Labour of Life is our hostess for the month of December!

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And, I just want to include my “Merry Christmas” greeting, as well!   “May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May He shine His countenance on you and give you peace.”  Numbers 6:24-26         With love, Sinea

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Happiness is Homemade Features

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. This blog contains Amazon affiliate links.❤️

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Canine Christmas with a “Bark-Worthy” Tablescape!!

Welcome to the lake!!!   I’m so glad you could join us for this Canine Christmas Tablescape!!! It was inspired by our dog, who like most Golden Retrievers, is still very much a puppy, even though he is 18 months old, and 80 pounds!!! When I saw this Golden Retriever table runner at Homegoods I knew I just had to do a tablescape with it!!! Then this year I found the adorable Golden Retriever plates at Dillard’s, and the table kind of took off.

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Striped Farmhouse Throw Pillow Covers 18X18 Set of 2 Boho Pillow Cover with Fringe Tassel Chic Cotton Decorative Pillows Modern Neutral Square Cushion Pillowcase for Sofa Couch Bed, Khaki

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Christmas Tree Cake Cookies

Nicolle from Our Tiny Nest shares these adorable Christmas Tree Cake Cookies that are oh, so easy to make!  Don’t they look yummy?

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Christmas Decorating With Dried Orange Slices

Decorating with fruits and vegetables is an old-fashioned craft I love.  Many of us display fresh fruit in season in bowls and centerpieces.  It’s December and citrus season is here. Today Comfort Springs Station is sharing her love of oranges – not only as a favorite snack, but as a decorating element.  It’s great to use for Christmas and even into January for winter decorating. . .  

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Ever buy yourself a Christmas present?  This one is very practical but, especially if you have furry pets in your home, it could be your pet hair vacuum dream-come-true!  Lots of “bells & whistles!”

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Snowflake Cookies (Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing)

Rose from Rose bakes, has obviously been baking for Christmas. These Snowflake Sugar Cookies are made with my all-time favorite recipe. It’s an easy recipe that takes a little more time, but you will get perfect cookies every time, so it’s worth the extra steps! . .

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Wood Slice Winter Scenery Décor

In this tutorial, Steph Creates Things shows us how to create a stunning winter scenery display using just one wood slice from Dollar Tree. You’ll need a few other materials like a miniature truck and camper ornaments, which you can easily get from Walmart. If you’re like me, you might already have them on hand. So, let’s get started and create this craft together!

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I just bought this cozy white fleece throw blanket in twin-size for my king size bed.   I lay it on top so that my dog doesn’t get the comforter dirty.  It is pretty, very soft and surprisingly warm.  And, it is so easy to wash.*

*As you know, washing a king size comforter is NOT easy to wash.  With this throw, problem solved! 

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On to the Party!

Thank you for joining us this week whether you are a blogger sharing your latest posts OR a reader enjoying all of the inspirational shares!  Don’t forget to drop by and say hello to all our hostesses, they always appreciate your visit! Here are all of our hostesses at Happiness Is Homemade! Linda @ A Labour of Life Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess Mel @ Décor Craft Design Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife . Would you like to be a part of Happiness Is Homemade? We are looking for hostesses to join our team. If you are interested, please email any one of the Happiness Is Homemade hostesses and let them know. We would love to have you join our party.

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Cat lovers, buy your kitties a tree to perch on!

 

SHA CERLIN 68 Inches Multi-Level Large Cat Tree for Large Cats/Big Cat Tower with Cat Condo/Cozy Plush Cat Perches/Sisal Scratching Posts and Hammocks/Cat Activity Center Play House, Grey

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Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.  We are so glad you stopped by!  This is our final party for 2024 but we will be back in two weeks for lots more fun.

Although we are taking the next two weeks off from our regular party, Do swing by Ducks ‘n a Row after the 25th for a special event just for you. ♥

This week’s party is ready to go for your viewing pleasure.  As always, it is  filled with all sorts of  great recipes, crafts, home décor and more that you will love!

 

This blog contains Amazon affiliate links.♥

 

Featured Posts

Holiday Baking with Kids: 17 Simple Recipes from At Craft Cottage

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Cozy Moments to Calm the Heart from Amy’s Creative Pursuits

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This pet hair vacuum is NAMED after furry friends:

Miele Complete C1 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum, Model Number: 10014520

 

Low Carb Party Mix Nuts from My Life Abundant

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Best Sloppy Joes Recipe from Anne’s Inspired Home

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Gingerbread Springerle from Garden Feast

 

So let’s get this party started!

Meet The Hosts

1. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

 

Deco 79 Stainless Steel Metal Living Room Stool Hair on Hide Ottoman, Foot Stool 20″ x 16″ x 18″, Gray  

How are your holiday plans going?  I have surprised myself and am doing pretty well.  One thing that I forgot to do is to pay attention to shipping times.  It is one thing to find just the right gift and order it.  It is another thing to get it to you, or them, on time!  But all is well.  It’s mid-December and if shipping won’t work, guess what we can do?  Make something!  There are some amazing holiday desserts that  make great gifts!  On Christmas I even received a homemade cheese-spread dip as a gift and it was amazing and memorable.  Use your ingenuity.  You will be surprised at what you can do.

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This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. ❤️

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Thank you for coming to our party.  We know that you are super busy and it means a lot.  So, let’s take a look at our party features and then move right along to this week’s party!

Features of the Week

Now this is a tummy-warming meal for a cold winter night!  Lou Lou Girls made this beautiful Beef and Tortellini Bake!

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Affinity Decor Organic Acacia kitchen Cutting Chopping Charcuterie Board Platter for Butcher Block Cheese and Vegetables (Christmas Tree with Curved Groove 13.5″L x 10.8″W)

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House on Silverado shared this yummy copycat Starbucks Ginger Loaf recipe. Isn’t it pretty?

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Oooh.  I love eggnog and, come to think of it, I love cupcakes, too!  A Big Green House created these delectable Eggnog Cupcakes with Chocolate Rum Buttercream Frosting and shared the recipe with us!

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Isn’t this buttercream board pretty?  Serve it with dippable crackers or cookies and enjoy!  Rose Bakes is the blogger who shared her Festive Simple Christmas Buttercream Board.

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Paper Love 3D Magical Christmas Tree Pop Up Card with Detachable Keepsake Christmas Tree, Gift for Christmas, Winter, Holiday Tree Decorations | Large 10″ x 7″ – Includes Envelope and Note Tag

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.Come to the Happiness is Homemade link party! #recipes #holidays #crafts Share on X

 

Now, the big event you have been anticipating: this week’s party!

 

This party is published on 6 different blogs so, bloggers, the posts you share get lots of exposure! Please join me in thanking all of our participating blogs who host this party for us all every week.  

Linda @ A Labour of Life

Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row.

Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn

Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess

Mel @ Décor Craft Design

Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife

IMHO … The Best Pet Hair Vacuum Ever!

Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Perfect Pet Power Brush & Crevice Tool, Bordeaux

 

Welcome to this week’s blog party!  The Christmas and Hanukkah season have arrived.  Did you know that this year, very uniquely, both holidays are on the same day?  Hanukkah “moves around” a lot on our Gregorian calendar and it could be in November or December but this year each begin on December 25th!

 

Next week will be our last party of 2024 for Wonderful Wednesday.  Now, Ducks ‘n a Row may very well have a special blog party of our own so do check to see what’s going on over here.  I am thinking that we will.

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Todays features are holiday creativity at its finest!  If you are a Pinterest user, click over to their blogs to pin them.  It will really bless our bloggers if you do.  And, be sure to come back to see what NEW posts are being shared at the party this week (below.)

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This blog contains Amazon affiliate links❤️

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Featured Posts of the Week

Ice Cream Sandwich Christmas Reindeer from Birdz of the Feather

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Oh Christmas Tree from Thrifting Wonderland

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Cute Gingerbread Man Ornament Set!

 

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Classic Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies from Recipes My Mother Gave Me

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Charcuterie Christmas Tree by Drugstore Divas

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Great Pet Hair Vacuum and so much more!

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Shark Upright Vacuum, Stratos with DuoClean PowerFins, HairPro, Powered Lift-Away, Self-Cleaning Brushroll, & Odor Neutralizer Technology, Navy, AZ3002

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Meet The Hosts

1. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

 

 

SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards Gift Set: Charcuterie Board Set, Bamboo Cheese Board Set – House Warming Gifts New Home, Wedding Gifts for Couple, Bridal Shower Gift

 

Welcome to December, dear friends, and our Christmas countdown for the Happiness is Homemade link party.  We love everything “holidays” and, if you do, too, then you will truly enjoy this kickoff to the holidays.  So, sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

 

Let’s start off with our party features from last week.  Then be sure to scroll down and uncover what our guests have left us to “unwrap” at this week’s Happiness is Homemade event!  Did we say that we are so glad you’re here?  Well, we are!

 

Party Features of the Week

 

 

 

Seasonal and Holiday Recipe Exchange has donated their not-so-traditional Butterscotch Gingerbread Man Cut Out Cookie recipe for this festive occasion!  Yum!

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Christmas Cookie Cutters 7-Pc Set Made in USA by Ann Clark, Gingerbread Man, Christmas Tree, Star, Snowflake, Angel

 

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Little kids will love practicing their cutting-skills with these festive Christmas Cutting Strips by Fun A Day.  Preschool teachers and homeschoolers will love the free-printable!

 

 

 

Now, this is a colorful way to dress up a holiday table —  Oreo Cookie Balls Christmas! This wonderous creation comes from the kitchen of Walking on Sunshine Recipes. 

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SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards Gift Set: Charcuterie Board Set, Bamboo Cheese Board Set – House Warming Gifts New Home, Wedding Gifts for Couple, Bridal Shower Gift

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Talk about creativity!  24 Hour Family offered up this amazing tray of delicacies in the shape of a Christmas Tree entitled “Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board.”  And I learned a new word: Charcuterie!  It is French and means “cooked meats!”   

 

Now, the big event you have been anticipating: this week’s party!

 

This party is published on 6 different blogs so, bloggers, the posts you share get lots of exposure! Please join me in thanking all of our participating blogs who host this party for us all every week.  

Linda @ A Labour of Life

Sinea @ Ducks ‘n a Row

Beverly @ Eclectic Red Barn

Katie @ Love My Messy Messy Mess

Mel @ Décor Craft Design

Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife

 

 

Is it OK to give a vacuum cleaner as a Christmas gift?  A few Christmases ago I would have cried tears of JOY if someone had given this to me.  It changed my life!

BEST PET HAIR VACUUM EVER!