Anne Leuck 12/21/08 Anne Leuck 12/21/08

Sugar & Spice...

My favorite holiday memories growing up included a whole weekend baking a variety of wonderful treats with my Mom which we would give to neighbors and friends. I only see her every other Christmas (we swap Christmas & Thanksgiving holidays with Rich's family) so in 2004 I decided I would have my own little holiday baking party every other year, then on the years that I am with Mom, we bake gingerbread houses.

2004 my first holiday baking extravaganza in my tiny (but very cute) little kitchen (on a workbench from Home Depot for extra counter space, with a mosaic in the background that I did right on the drywall). We knew one day that house was coming down...and it did!

Alice with a cookie cutter from my childhood (she was about 6 months here).

2006 in my much bigger kitchen...when we were kids my Mom gave Carl & I white frosting and food coloring and let us mix our own colors for the cut out cookies. I really think my painting color palette developed around this baking & frosting activity. Thanks Mom!

So now it's 2008 and I should be baking up a storm but ran out of time and decided to just do one cookie this year. It's not even a traditional holiday one for me...it's Grandma Leuck's Ginger Snaps. I thought it would be nice to send some to my Dad & brother along with the recipe. She died in 1978 when I was in 5th grade. The taste of these cookies takes me back, we made these at home quite often too. So I didn't take pictures baking but my Mom came through and found a photo for me to include on the recipe of me and Grandma Leuck...Calverna, isn't that a great name? She always called us her cute little monkeys...happy holiday baking to all of you kindred spirits out there!

Anne Leuck 12/19/08 Anne Leuck 12/19/08

My Gift to You...A Holiday Giveaway!

Enter to Win My Holiday Giveaway!

Enter to Win:

A Large Dog Lover's Gift Pack:
2 Note Pads Poodle & Mixed Breeds + Border Collie Ornament
A Small Dog Lover's Gift Pack:
Mixed Breed Notepad + Magnet
A Mounted Ready To Hang Laminated Print
Little Sweetie Black & White Dog
6 Pack of Mixed Canine Holiday Cards & A Magnet!

A $100 value (shipping is on Me)!

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You can Enter one of Three ways:

Comment on ANY of my blog posts from now till December 26th.
Sign up for our Newsletter on the top right hand side of this blog.
Promote my giveaway on your blog! Feel free to pull this image to useon your blog. And don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you did.

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I will pick a winner on December 27th with Random.Org.
Thanks so much for Participating and Happy Holidays to You & Yours!!

Anne Leuck 12/19/08 Anne Leuck 12/19/08

Procrastinators Find Presents...


What: LastChance before the Holidays Open Studio Sale: Come Share a Glass of Wine or Hot Cider &Toast the Season! Many Great Gifts under $50! Where: 2843N. Washtenaw, Chicago When:Sunday, December 14th,Noon-5pm Map to Anne'sStudio This is it folks...We stillhave some great gift items left. And we'dlove to see you!
Specials andother items for Sale:
12x12 Box PrintClose OutSale! Discontinuing this format All Ready To Hang 12x12 BOX Prints Regular Price $85 each, now $47 eachor 2 for $85!	Many Original Paintings Still Available with Generous HolidayDiscounts!
Dog& Cat Face Ornaments	Feline& Canine HolidayCards
Studio Visits Are Always Welcome,by Appointment! Just Call 773.772.1085 or email: anne@anneleuck.com

Anne Leuck 12/16/08 Anne Leuck 12/16/08

I spoke to soon...

Guess she's still got a ways to go towards growing up...(see previous post)

Anne Leuck 12/15/08 Anne Leuck 12/15/08

4 Legged Love...

Lounging Canines...Izzy loved the Open Studio weekend, I think having company energizes her spirit. Alice not so much as she spent much of it in locked up in the bedroom...but then she received an unexpected present:

This wonderful gift from my very good customers and friends..the Skiersch family. It has squeakers...she LOVES it! In the past she would have ripped this thing to shreds by now..maybe she really is growing up?

Smiling Alice & Winking Izzy...the 14+ year old wonder dog! and her comical side kick.

C'mon...throw it already! Yes, I'm head over heels with my pups...

Anne Leuck 12/15/08 Anne Leuck 12/15/08

Goodies...Holiday Dog Lover's Gift Packs

DOG LOVER'S GIFT PACKS: 2 Notepads 1 Ornament + Gift Card & Ribbon
Now Available in my Etsy Shop! Only a few left, order yours today!

Anne Leuck 12/12/08 Anne Leuck 12/12/08

More Dog Star Goodies...

At the request of a customer I added the Dog Star Ornament...and threw in a bag. The perfect gift for the lab, retriever, or mixed breed dog lover in your life! You can order by clicking these links which will take you to my Cafe Press Store:

Anne Leuck 12/11/08 Anne Leuck 12/11/08

One of a Kind Friends...

Some fun pictures with many of my pals from the One of a Kind Show...wish I had gotten around to see everyone (no helper this year) - it was crazy big, I think over 700 artists with the Artists Project.

With Ann Maxwell-Weisbrod...the very wisest of Broads!