Chocolate Covered Treats

Our family just got back this weekend from New York City.  I promise to do a post about our adventure, but I must wait for Jay to get back from a business trip.  He has the camera with most of the pictures :)

For now, I will do a post about chocolate covered treats.  Did you know December 16th is chocolate covered anything day???? I didn't, not until Jay told me about it.  I figured a post about chocolate would be appropriate.  Today I did chocolate covered pretzels, cranberries, and marshmallows, which will be small food gifts this holiday season.

There really isn't a set recipe for this, but more of a process or technique.  First you need some food items that hold up well to dipping.  In the past I have dipped the following:

• pretzels; rods, miniatures
• nuts; cashews, peanuts, almonds, walnuts
• marshmallows
• dried fruit; raisins, cranberries, apricots
• Oreos

Next, get yourself good chocolate.  When I am visiting Buffalo, I buy a 10 lb bag of Merkens and keep them in the freezer to use all year.  You can also use a nice quality chocolate block or bar in the candy aisle.  I have used chocolate chips in a pinch.  Just make sure the chocolate is not waxy.

Prepare cookie sheets lined with wax paper to place dipped items on to dry. 

Then put a heat safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.  Add your chocolate to the bowl, and slowly allow the chocolate to melt.  Stir occasionally until you have a smooth bowl of chocolate. (Don't let the water boil, or you can burn the chocolate.)

Remove the bowl from the heat.  Now you are ready to dip.  I work in small batches.  For example, add a few handfuls of pretzels and fold them into the chocolate until coated.  Using a fork remove from the chocolate and lay on cookies sheets.  Sprinkle with candies to decorate.  Allow to cool and harden.  I stick them in my Florida room, but you can put them in the fridge. 



Once they are dry, bag them in cute cellophane bags or put them in tins.  These can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks.

For dipping nuts, raisins, or cranberries, line mini muffin tins with cupcake wrappers.  Then spoon the covered nuts or fruits into the paper.  Allow to harden and pop out of tin.  These make perfect clusters.

Any chocolate covered item makes a great addition to your holiday platters.  These even make great little desserts after a heavy calorie laden meal.  Happy Chocolate Covered Anything Day!!!!

I Love My Mia

Oil slicks, rough terrain, uneven texture, cracks and crevices, dry patches.  What I am describing?  No, its not the wilderness or desert, it is my 30 something face. 

When I was in my twenties, I never gave a second thought to my skin.  I sometimes took of my makeup before going to bed, and even possibly used a moisturizer.  It was really no big worry.  I would have the occasional pimple, but nothing a good concealer couldn't take care of.   Fast forward ten years and two babies later.  Oh my gosh, maintenance on my face has become a full time job.

A few years ago, I started to notice fine lines setting in.  The breakouts would come more frequently.  This last year, I have noticed a huge change and not for the good.  I have been using Philosophy products for several years, and I am a true Philosophy Girl.  Still my skin is just lacking the radiance I had in my 20's. 

So, I have been watching the buzz around a product called Clarisonic.  At first, I couldn't justify the $200 price tag that accompanied a tool to help clean your face.  I heard celebrities rave about it, beauty editors dedicating articles to it, and of course QVC running hour long shows on this one product.  A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that QVC had a Today's Special Value for the Clarisonic.  I said to myself, if it around a $100, I'll try it.  The Clarisonic Mia (the smaller version) appeared for $125.   I made the decision to purchase it, and figured I had QVC's money back guarantee. 

My Mia arrived a week ago.  I charged it and that night cleansed my face.  I'll be honest, no noticeable difference on the first use, except for the amount of make-up it removed.  A week later I have noticed a change in the texture and smoothness of my skin.  I have also notice the appearance of pores and "black heads" on my nose are diminishing.  I'm hooked.  The Clarisonic stays and hopefully a new start to better skin.

I know it is a considered purchase.  I also just realize I have outed myself to my husband as to how much it is :o)  Hopefully he won't be too mad, considering it will make me look better, right?  It's also on easy pay, so not that much of a hit on the credit card every month.  I definitely think it would make a lovely present for a birthday or the holidays. 

Here's a picture of mine in the pink paisley.  Oh, and notice the new Vera Bradley cosmetic bag behind it, in Twirly Bird Pink.

Cute Tins

I was surfing Etsy and came across these adorable decorative tins.  They are small tins, perfect for cute little gifts.  I purchased two adorned with a guitar pick label (one for Adam and one for his guitar teacher).  They are the perfect size to hold picks.   I also purchased a golf themed one to hold golf tees for another gift, and that one is personalized with the recipients name. 

The vendor also has them themed to hold ear buds for mp3 players, and many many other things.  I just thought I would share my find for great affordable gifts.

Tiny Tins

Strawberry Lemon Marmalade

Some people do their canning in the fall, I do mine all year.  Different times of the year, I do different things.  I am trying to figure out my end of the year school gifts, and decided to make some marmalade.  I will pair it with a home made Challah bread, but any bread or pound cake would be delicious with it. 

For Christmas, I received the Ball Canning Book that has over 400 recipes in it.  After thumbing through it, strawberry lemon marmalade jumped out at me.  This recipe is very similar to strawberry jam, but adding the lemon peel makes it a marmalade.  Also this is a "quick" marmalade and does use pectin to guarantee the setting stage.  I canned this for gifts, but you could make a big batch and store it the fridge too for several weeks.  Make sure to include an ingredient tag for the recipient, for any possible food allergies.

Of course I had to test out the batch. I enjoyed it on Challah bread, but it would also be delicious on toast or scones.  Happy marmalading!!!

recipe (yields about 6 half pints)

1/4 c. thinly sliced lemon peel (about 2 large lemons, just the peel not the pith)
4 c. crushed hulled strawberries (about 8 cups whole)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 package powder fruit pectin (1.75 oz)
6 c. granulated sugar

Prepare canner, jar, lids by sterilizing.  In a sauce pot, boil lemon peels with several cups of water for 5 minutes, drain liquid and set peels aside.  In a large bowl, hull and crush the strawberries (I used a potato masher).  Measure crushed strawberries in a liquid measuring cup to reach 4 cups.  Then combine lemon peel, strawberries, and pectin in a large pot. Stir until pectin is dissolved.  Bring to a boil, and add sugar all at once.  Return to a hard boil (boil that won't stir down) and boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and skim foam.  Ladle hot marmalade into prepared canning jars leaving 1/4" head space, remove air bubbles with non-metal utensil.  Wipe rims, add lid and ring.  Process for 10 minutes.  Allow to cool for 24 hours.

Stir constantly over high heat

Skim Foam

Finished Product

Organizing Recipes

Wow....it's been a whole week since I visited the blog.  My computer was hit by a nasty virus and I was computer-less for several days.  I didn't realize how dependent I am on the computer, until I was without it.  What did I do before the land of cyberspace???  Anyways....I am back and have a neat little tip for organizing recipes.

I'm sure there are a lot of people who already do this, but I thought it was a simple idea and wanted to share it.  Several months ago, while having coffee with a friend, she showed me this HUGE 3 ring binder filled with recipes.  She loves to print recipes off of the Internet and tear pages out from magazines.  Her dilemma was she didn't have a proper place to store them.  Then a family member gifted her a really cute binder with dividers and lots of page protectors.  Viola, a new system for organizing her recipes.

Well, I finally got my rear in gear and made myself a smaller version.  I found a pretty binder for a couple of bucks, some dividers and page protectors.  It took me an evening of sorting, but it's done.  I have all my printouts and magazine clipping in one place.  Now they won't get lost or dirty and are handy for my culinary needs.

You can make this as simple or as elaborate as you wish.  Personalize it with an adorable front cover and get yourself organized.  I also do think it is a fabulous gift for a friend or loved one.  In fact, make it and include a couple of your favorite recipes to get them started.  Below are a few pictures of mine, but get creative and send me the pictures of your creations.

Festive 3 Ring Binder

Add Dividers and Page Protectors



Add Printouts



Add Magazine Clippings

Easy Ways to Gift Vanilla Sugar

So back in October I did a post about making vanilla sugar.  I promised I would give some easy ideas on how to use that vanilla sugar as gifts. Well here it is.  The gifts are simple to do, inexpensive, but are very thoughtful.  All the containers I used were all purchased at a craft store for under $2.00.

Idea #1  Vanilla sugar with a pound of your favorite coffee.  This can be wrapped in cellophane or just nestled in a gift bag.

Idea #2  Vanilla sugar in a mug with a small sample of coffee and some chocolates.  I decided on a neutral mug (to match anyones decor) that I got from my local department store.  I also used a smaller container of sugar.  I wrapped it in cellophane that I got from the grocery store, and included a tag on how to make additional vanilla sugar.

Idea #3  A larger container of vanilla sugar with a recipe for sugar cookies attached.  I used a simple jar and applied a rub on transfer to add a little design to the jar.  I wrapped this one in tissue and nestled it in a gift bag with a label that says "From the Kitchen of....".

Idea #4  Bake a batch of snicker doodle muffins, topped with vanilla cinnamon sugar, and give a small jar of sugar.  The recipient can use it with coffee or tea while enjoying the muffins.  I put the muffins on a holiday tray.



These ideas are just a jumping off point.  Be creative and give some wonderful and thoughtful gifts.  All of the gifts are under the $10 mark and can be given to a wide variety of people on your list. Click here for the snicker doodle muffin recipe.

Linking to these parties.

Snow Ball Cookies

I love getting food gifts.  Unfortunately, I don't get many. I think a lot of times because I cook and bake, people don't think I want their food gifts.  I relish getting food gifts, especially home made ones.  So to my surprise the other day at preschool, my friend gave me a little baggie with snow ball cookies.

I was in seventh heaven.  Not only were they delicious, it's a cookie that I never make.  It was so thoughtful.  I ate them all in one day. I asked her for the recipe and she let me know she got it off the internet.  The next day at preschool she gave me the printout.

The recipe is super easy and I decide to post the link for it.  It would be a marvelous addition to your cookie platter this season.  Check back in a couple days for ideas on how to gift vanilla sugar.

To get the recipe for snowball cookies, a.k.a. Russian Tea Cakes, click here.

Bisquick Scones

My boys love when I make "stones" for breakfast.  They really mean scones.  Although, stones may be an appropriate name for these little biscuity treats if they are not made right.  There are a lot of fabulous scratch recipes for them, but sometimes you just want the convenience of a baking mix. 

I have been flooded with requests for recipes that use cake mixes or baking mixes.  For a lot of people scratch baking can be unfamiliar territory.  I can go either way.  I have a lot of scratch recipes and a ton of baking mix recipes.  I personally don't have a major problem using mixes.  I use the Bisquick Heart smart baking mix, which has the American Heart Association check mark. 

I have adapted this recipe from the Bisquick cookbook for Raisin Scone Sticks.  I make them with any number of ingredients, including my boys favorite, chocolate chips.  I have also used cranberries with orange zest, white chocolate walnut, apricot walnut, the list is endless.  These would also be a great addition to your traditional cookie platter this holiday season.

recipe

2 1/2 c. Bisquick
1/2 c. skim milk
1/4 c. plain yogurt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. mix ins, chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, etc.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Mix all ingredients until a soft dough forms.  Dust your work surface with more Bisquick.  Scoop dough on to work surface and add a touch more Bisquick to the top. Pat into a 9 inch round and using a pizza cutter, cut into 8 wedges.  Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, brush with egg wash (egg substitute with a scant amount of water).  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Easy Cake Mix Cookies

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Ours was on the quiet side, as we did not go anywhere, but it was also restful.  Now that the wonderful turkey holiday is over, it's time to concentrate on the winter holidays.  This time of year people love to give and receive food gifts.  One of the easiest food gifts to give is a platter of home made cookies and treats. 

To make a successful cookie platter, you will need different varieties of cookies, brownies, and little treats.  Here's a recipe that may not be the prettiest cookie but is sure to be a delicious one.  It yields over three dozen and has a good presence on the platter.  It comes from my mom and a clipped side of the Ducan Hines box from the 1970's.  My mom makes this cookie every year, in many different varieties.  Let your imagination run wild with this.  I will give the base dough recipe and you can change the cake mix flavor or mix-ins to suit your taste.

recipe (yield 3 1/2 dozen)

1 package white cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water
1 cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, etc.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.   Mix all ingredients until well incorporated.  Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. (12 to a sheet, they will spread) Bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Top will be pale. Allow to cool one minute on cookie sheet and then finish cooling on baking rack.  Store in an airtight container for several weeks.

For the variation pictured, I used a chocolate cake mix and Andes Candies baking chips. My mom uses butterscotch chips with a yellow cake mix.

Chocolate Covered Apricots & Cashews

Okay, I found myself standing at the pantry snacking on chocolate chips.  I know it's not a healthy habit, but sometimes you just need chocolate. I've had one of those days.  Being practical, I figured if I made a snack that had fruit and chocolate, it would be a little more healthful.

I put a small bowl over a pot of simmering water and poured 1 cup of chocolate chips in the bowl.  Over a medium low heat melt the chocolate.  Then I took dried apricots and dipped half  and lay them on wax paper to cool.  After dipping the apricots, I still had some chocolate left.  I poured a handful of cashews into the chocolate and stirred. Next, using a spoon, scoop the nut mixture into mini muffin cups.  Allow to cool until chocolate is hardened.

In the past, I have given these sweet treats as holiday gifts.  They would also be nice as a quick dessert after a meal.  Sometimes you just want a bit of sweetness, and not a whole dessert.  Personally, they will be an indulgence over the next week or so, when I want something chocolate. 

You can dip any dried fruit or nuts you choose.  Adam loves chocolate covered cranberries. Also chocolate covered Spanish peanuts are wonderful.  Let your imagination run wild with this one!

Linking to these parties.

Easy Gift Tags

I don't know about you, but I save gift bags and reuse them.  Sometimes I need a new tag for the bag.  So to re-purpose a gift bag, I've made these easy tags that you can attach.   It is so simple,  all you need is a little scrap booking card stock, peel and stick tags, and some ribbon.

After the holidays I always go to the stores and buy peel and stick tags on a sheet.  You can get 100 of them for under a $1.00.  Then at the craft store, I buy card stock pieces in a bag for about $3.00 (you get all different sizes and colors).  All you have to do is find a coordinating color card stock, put a sticker on it, and attach with a piece of ribbon. Viola!!! You recycled a gift bag and saved yourself some money.

Linking to these parties.

Scratch Cinnamon Rolls

Our family has a love for cinnamon rolls. Our recent trip to the Oakdale Mall in Binghamton was partially disappointing as the Cinnabon there closed!  I have made quickie cinnamon rolls before from crescent rolls and while they are delicious, they are not a scratch yeast roll. 

The last several weeks, I have searched and searched for a recipe that would be easy and delicious.  I found one that uses a cake mix for a base, one that uses vanilla pudding mix, but I really wanted something with only a few ingredients.  Sometimes the simpler the ingredient list the better the baked good is.

So last night I found a recipe that only a few ingredients and were things I already had in the pantry.  I made a few adjustments to the  recipe, the filling and the icing.  The result was a gooey, cinnamon treat.  The whole process took about two hours (including time to let it rise). I know it sounds like a lot of work, but trust me it is totally worth it. It's a recipe that you can easily make on a weekend and your family with love you for it.  I was also thinking, make a batch of these and bring them to the hostess who may be having you over for the holidays. It would make a lovely breakfast the next day for his/her family after working so hard on a holiday dinner.

recipe for the dough

1 package of yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons
1 C. warm milk (110 to 115 degrees)
1/2 C. sugar
1/3 C. butter, softened
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs lightly beaten
4 C. Bread Flour

In a large bowl dissolve yeast into warm milk and sugar.  Allow to proof for 5 minutes. Then add eggs, vanilla, butter, flour and salt.  Stir with a spatula until a soft dough forms.  Turn dough onto floured counter top and with floured hands knead for a couple of minutes into a ball.  Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel , and allow to rise about one hour.

recipe for filling

1/3 cup softened butter
1 C. packed brown sugar
2 1/2 Tablespoons of cinnamon

Combine all the ingredients into a paste and set aside.  After dough has risen, on a floured surface roll dough into a rectangle approximately 16"x20".  Using a spatula spread the filling mixture evenly on dough. Starting at the long end, roll the dough into a log.  Trim the ends off. Cut rolls into eight large rolls or twelve medium rolls.  Place cut side up into a greased baking dish and cover with a towel.  Let the rolls rest for about 15 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake rolls for approximately 18 to 21 minutes. The top of the rolls will be golden brown and the dough on the rolls will no longer feel soft.  Don't worry if it looks like the filling is leaking out of the rolls on the bottom. Once the rolls cool, the cinnamon mixture with tighten back up and form a gooey glaze.

recipe for icing

1/2 stick of butter, softened
2 oz of cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup of powder sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Combine all the ingredients until smooth.  When rolls come out of the oven allow to cool for about five minutes and then frost generously with icing.  Store in an airtight container for several days.

Linking to these parties.

Not So Wholesome Wednesday (chocolate truffles)

Okay, I know I promised Wednesday's to be wholesome recipes, but honestly I forgot.  So I am posting a not so wholesome recipe for chocolate truffles. 

I have been making these truffles for years.  They are so simple and rich.  They can be made in an afternoon and it's a great project to get the kids involved in.  All you need is some heavy cream, chocolate chips, and some toppings to roll them in.  Be creative and let the kids help pick the toppings. 

The truffles are also a great holiday gift. You can package 6 neatly into a 1/2 lb candy box and make a great impression.  Another suggestion, fill a decorative tin with a dozen or so, and gift it to a whole family.

recipe (yields about 2 dozen)

1 cup of chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy cream
assorted toppings (nuts, sprinkles, cocoa, powder sugar, etc.)

In a double boiler (I used a metal bowl over a simmering pot of water), melt chocolate chips and heavy cream.

Whisk until smooth and shiny.

Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for several hours or freeze for one hour.  Then using a 1" cookie scoop, scoop onto wax paper and refrigerate for 15 more minutes.

Then lightly roll the balls between your palms to form a smooth ball.  Immediately roll in toppings, such as sprinkles, colored sugar, Andes candies pieces, powder sugar, cocoa, etc.  If you want a hard shell topping dip into melted chocolate.

Refrigerate for several weeks in an airtight container.

Linking to these parties.

Great Holiday Gift Ideas from Philosophy

I have been a Philosophy girl for about six years now.  My love affair began when I was pregnant with Adam and I needed a pick me up.  I ordered the 3 in 1 shower gel in the cinnamon buns scent, and I was sold. Over the last six years I have tried their fragrances, skin care, and various shower gels. I honestly can say I haven't found a product I don't like.

So as I was getting low on my favorite face cleanser, Purity Made Simple, I cruised on over to their website.  Much to my surprise they have a coupon code until October 14th for $10.00 off a $40.00 purchase. I was so excited, I decided to share it with everyone in the blog-o-sphere. So shop quickly and at the checkout enter 10OFF40.  Also if you spend $50.00 there is always free shipping. 

Be sure to check out their holiday gift sets, stock up, and save $10.00. Or do what I did, and get myself an extra treat.  Tune in on Wednesday for another great recipe!

Blackberry Jelly (canning recipe)

I love canning.  I know it sounds weird to say something like that, but I really do. Somehow it seems therapeutic to me. I watched my mom can her own tomato puree and chili sauce over the years, and loved that in the middle of winter we would have fresh spaghetti sauce. So, I always knew the basics of canning and about seven years ago, I started canning my own things.

The first thing I canned was apple butter and peach apricot butter. I gave them out as holiday gifts that year and received great reviews.  Over the last several years, I have canned things like pepper jelly, pineapple topping, praline syrup, jellies, and our secret family recipe for bar-b-q sauce. 

Today I am sharing a canning recipe for blackberry jelly.  About five years ago, I planted blackberry bushes. On the second year, I had so many blackberries I had to come up with ways to use them. I immediately thought of jelly.  I grabbed the insert out of the pectin box and looked up the jelly recipe. It is really quite simple and you don't need a lot of supplies. I happen to have a canning pot, but any large stock pot will do.  Also canning jars can be purchased just about anywhere these days.  Then all you need is pectin, blackberries and some sugar.

Just as a side note, please use tested canning recipes. I have the anniversary book from Ball with tested recipes that have the correct acid levels and canning times.  You must be careful to use proven recipes, otherwise you risk the chance of contaminated food.

recipe

4 cups crushed blackberries (i used fresh, but you can also use frozen thawed)
7 cups sugar
1 pouch Certo (liquid pectin)

crush blackberries and strain through sieve to remove seeds. cook with sugar on medium low heat until sugar is dissolved and the boil can not be stirred down (about 12 to 15 minutes). add one pouch of pectin and stir constantly for two minutes. skim foam from the top and immediately ladle into canning jars, and process in a water bath for 15 minutes. remove from water bath and let stand for 24 hours. 

All the instructions are also on the insert inside the pectin box.  It's a really nice way to have fresh food to serve to your family or give as gifts.  I will be posting more canning recipes throughout the holiday season. Give it a try :o)

Blackberry

Vanilla Sugar

The weather is starting to cool down, and for most people that means they will turn their ovens back on to bake.  Me, I've been baking all summer, but I do appreciate the coolers temps. I have an abundance a sweet treats for the fall and holidays, and a lot of them will include vanilla sugar.  So you ask, what is vanilla sugar???? It's exactly what it sounds like, sugar infused with vanilla flavor.  It can be purchased at those wonderful high end cooking stores. You know, the stores I walk through but really can't afford. But vanilla sugar can also be made right in your own kitchen very simply.

I decided to give this idea early because it really does take a couple of weeks for the flavor to infuse thoroughly.  I also have a lot of ways to use it come this holiday season as gift ideas. Around November I will do a complete list of how to gift vanilla sugar with incredibly cute packaging ideas. For now, let's just get some made. Once you have vanilla sugar in stock in your pantry, use it in baking where you would use plain white sugar.

You'll need:

Vanilla Beans (I got them at Williams & Sonoma, but McCormick sells them too in the spice aisle)
Sugar
Air tight plastic or glass container

This is really simple, so here goes. Simply measure out 2 to 3 cups of sugar and place it in a container.  Then cut the vanilla bean lengthwise, and run your knife down the vanilla bean to scrape out the seeds. Place the seeds and vanilla bean into the sugar and stir around a bit.  Bury the bean in the sugar and place the lid on it.  For best results, leave sit for 3 to 4 weeks.

Next week, I teach you how to make your own vanilla. Again very simple.

Easy Fall Wall Hanging

Fall is approaching sooner than we think. For me I start thinking of fall in the early summer, not because I am wishing summer away but because I am a crafter. The fall craft show season starts the end of August for most crafters/vendors.  I don't get to do any shows in Oneonta, but my mom still helps me out in Buffalo while I am away.  I took inventory and decided to make some fall walling hangings. These are super easy to do and can cost as little as $10 worth of materials and about thirty minutes of your time.  I was super excited to share this one, because you can personalize it for your decor and really match your style.  These are done with silk flowers but can easily be done with dried for a more country inspired look.  Here's what you need to get started:

1 medium floral bush (about 10 to 12 stems on the bush)
1 small filler floral bush (about 6 stems, filler being leaves or tiny coordinating flowers)
floral wire and floral tape
3 yards of ribbon (wire edged is preferred)
wire cutters and scissors

All of these items can be found at a craft store, dollar store, and department store such as Walmart. 

• First cut all the stems from the bush
• Arrange like stems in like piles
• Then decide if you want to hang the arrangement horizontal or vertical (the ones shown are vertical)
• If you decide to hang horizontal make two equal bunches of flowers and filler and wrap at the bottom with floral wire to make a bouquet (just arrange the stems in your hand until they have a pleasant look to them) 
• If you decide to hang vertical, make two bouquets as mentioned in previous step, but make one bunch slightly fuller (that will be the bottom)
• Next take the two bouquet bottoms to meet in the middle and wire together, pictured below

• Now all you have to do is add a bow in the middle and use the wire from the bow to make a loop on the back to use as a hanger.
• If you don't know how to make a bow, when you purchase your ribbon at the craft store ask them to make a three yard bow for you. There is a fee for this, but it's minimal.
• If necessary, gently fluff the arrangement (fluff = pull the stems into place until pleasing to the eye)

You can use these same steps for any season or holiday, by simply changing the kind of flowers you use. Go ahead and give it a try, and remember if it doesn't turn out the first time, just take it apart and start again. There is nothing that can't be redone, believe me I have redone a lot over the years :o)

Anti-Stress Kit

Everyone could use a little less stress in their lives. Personally, taking care of two active boys, a husband, and a house things can get a bit hairy around here. Today's idea is just a simple little project that promises to put a smile on someones face. Now I can't take credit for this, as I received it as a favor during my church's women's group dinner, but it's a cute idea to pass along.

What you will need to get started:

marbles (found at the craft or dollar stores)
rubber bands
erasers
pennies
roll of string
Hershey kisses & Hershey Hugs
Small ziploc baggies (5"x3")- you can find these at a craft store or office supply store

You will need to place one of each listed item into a baggie. So determine how many stress kits you would like to make and buy accordingly.

Directions

Simply place one marble, penny, rubber band, eraser, piece of string about 3 inches long, Hershey Hug, and Hershey Kiss into a bag.  Close bag, print the poem below on card stock, and attach to bag.

Poem

Anti-Stress Kit

An ERASER to make all those

little mistakes disappear!

A PENNY so you'll never 

be completely broke!

A MARBLE for those

days you're sure you

have lost yours!

An ELASTIC to help you

stretch beyond your

limits!

A STRING to hold it

together when it's falling

apart!

And a HUG & KISS to

remind you someone

loves you!

Hand out these stress kits to co-workers, teachers, babysitters, moms, or anyone who could use a little smile. By gifting this small token, the recipient will know they are being remembered through stressful times. These kits are great as favors for a wedding or baby shower too.

A Tisket A Tasket A Foot Pampering Basket

This is attempt number three at this post. The first two attempts were sidelined by a two year old who is now napping. I have pizza dough rising for dinner and Amish Friendship Bread in the oven. (I've never tried Amish Friendship Bread, but I'm thinking it will be the subject of a future post)  So today's subject is a gift idea that promises to pamper tired feet.

As a sidebar, I'll quickly try to explain my knowledge of gift baskets.  When I was fourteen, almost twenty years ago (holy moly I am getting old), I wanted to go on a trip with Spanish Club to Mexico. My parents agreed to help with the funding if I came up with a percentage myself. I started doing crafts and selling them at church and school shows. From there I transitioned to making gourmet food baskets. As the years went on I came up with hundreds of ideas for baskets, and my little business was born.

Over the past couple of decades I have literally done thousands of gift baskets.  They are really quite simple and in future posts I will explain specifics. For today I just want to put the idea out there of pedicure gift ideas.  I have done many many "pamper yourself" baskets, but the idea of a pedicure one specifically was brought back to mind almost a year ago.  I was enjoying a pedicure at a spa in Buffalo with my dear friend, and we started brainstorming gift ideas for our families. I thought a gift certificate for a pedicure was great, but then wondered if I would get it for the right place.  So why not a pedicure basket???

The basket that is featured today has spa slippers, a pumice stone kit, soothing foot gels, a scrub & lotion, and nail polish. I also included a gourmet chocolate bar and cookies.  The "basket" itself is a basin that the recipient can fill with warm sudsy water and enjoy a soak.  The basket is then wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbons.

Okay, here's the "tricks of the trade" to making a nice pedicure/spa basket. First the "basket" does not have to be a basket. For today I used a basin, aka dish tub (Walmart has them in various colors), that serves dual purpose as basket and foot soaker. Secondly, use nice products. Dont' get me wrong, I love the dollar stores for things like cards, wraps, shred, but when it comes to personal care products go for the nicer ones. (I shop throughout the year when things are on sale and put them in a gift tote.)  Then to fill in space you can always put in a few food items. For this one, I specifically chose treats that could be enjoyed while soaking. Finally, add a personal touch. I happen to know the recipient of this basket and found out her shoe size, so I was able to order spa slippers. This makes it more personal and not so generic.

This idea can be scaled down or super-sized to fit any budget. If you need a gift for under twenty, try a nail polish and nice foot scrub, nestled in a latte mug with their favorite coffee.  For those who want to really impress, instead of the more frugal basin, give a foot spa.  Homemedics makes a nice one for around $30. Also look into Philosophy, they have wonderful body scrubs and foot creams.

Below are a few pictures to help spark your own ideas. Take this one and run with it, get it, run...feet. I know I'm goofy, but I couldn't resist. I am off to taste some friendship bread :o)

lucked out & found a card to match

choose nice brands