Jovial Foods: 100% Whole Grain Eikhorn Pastas

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Our family has been eating more whole grain, whole foods, and organically over the last few months. We have cut out highly processed foods and especially sodas.  I’ve seen a 15lb weight loss just since September with our diet changes.  So when I was contacted to review this whole grain pastas, I was delighted.

We are a pasta loving family and have it at least once a week.  Whole grain pasta is a favorite of ours.

I was told “Jovial Foods’ organic einkorn pasta is a highly nutritious vegan product and  is actually made from a grain thousands of years old. Einkorn is nature’s original species of whole wheat, first cultivated nearly 12,000 years ago. Because it hasn’t been hybridized like the wheat today, ancient einkorn grains are inherently more nutritious and could be considered even healthier than modern whole wheat. With its naturally occurring high protein (9 grams per serving), nutrient, mineral, vitamin and antioxidant content, a 2-ounce serving of einkorn pasta outperforms “superfoods” including the raw blueberry, in its nutritional value. What’s more, einkorn also is a healthy source of dietary fiber, zinc, iron, and the antioxidant Lutein, making the einkorn pasta a nutritional powerhouse”.

Now all that is some heavy duty info right there.  That’s some pasta!

Well I am happy to say that is was some very good pasta too! My family gobbled it up. They loved it!  I made just a simple pasta dish (just the pasta and a homemade tomato sauce) and there was none left.

 

If you would like more information on the company’s whole grain einkorn pastas – and a great way to experience the benefits of einkorn, you might want to try this recipe, Einkorn Linguine with Roasted Pepper and Almond Pesto – makes for a perfect side dish.

 

Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

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Angell – The Organic Candy Bar

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I recently had the opportunity to try the Angell organic candy bars and let me tell you.. They Are Good!!

They are available in three flavors:

• snow – which is a coconut based one which is reminiscent of a  Mounds candy bar (but way better since this one is organic)
• dark
• crisp which reminds me of a kit kat candy bar

I loved the snow and the crisp variety with the snow one being my absolute favorite. I was not fond of the dark one. I’m not a big fan of dark chocolate anyway.

I shared these with my children and each of them loved the ones I liked. They were not fond of the dark chocolate variety either. They aren’t big fans of dark chocolate either. I should have saved that one for my hubby as he would have probably loved it being the big dark chocolate fan he is.

I love this about the candy bars:

• les than 200 calories per bar
• they only have 5 to7  ingredients actually can be pronounced
• no preservatives
• no artificial colors or flavors
• no GMO’s (Huge two thumbs up to this – I don’t want to eat Franken-Foods!)
• and no corn syrup

About Angell Organic Candy Bars

Angell Organic Candy Bars are the world’s first FairTrade Certified® organic candy bars.

Angell Bars are a heavenly treat sure to please even the most discriminating sweet tooth,made using the highest quality, certified organic ingredients, and premium organic and
Fair Trade chocolates. Designed to be a candy bar without compromise, Angell Bars drawon the rich tradition of American candy bars, while carefully examining every step of
production with an eye towards implementing more ethical, responsible practices (or, as their founders put it, following an Eat No Evil™ philosophy). Angell Bars are available in three delicious varieties that appeal to all palates and dietary
needs. The gluten-free Angell Crisp boasts the classic combination of crispy rice in a chewy chocolate center, wrapped in rich, premium organic milk chocolate. The vegan
Dark Angell is sophisticated and perfectly balanced with a refined combination of luxurious organic dark chocolate and a rich center of cocoa and organic almonds. The Snow Angell is a truly unique bar made with luscious white chocolate and a creamy organic coconut center.

Husband-and-wife founders Christopher and Suzanne Angell created Angell Bars to fill a gap in the candy market for a traditional candy bar that consumers could feel good about eating because of the product’s high quality ingredients, sustainable production, and reasonable price point. “Suzanne and I have always shared a love of candy bars, but we found ourselves unable buy our old favorites as we learned more about how they were produced.” said Christopher Angell. “We created Angell Bars so that everyone could enjoy a delicious candy bar without compromising their values.” In addition, Christopher and Suzanne donate 1% of the gross sales of Angell Bars to environmental organizations through 1% For the Planet (www.onepercentfortheplanet.org). When you eat an Angell
Organic Candy Bar, you not only eat something delicious, you also Eat No Evil.

These sinfully delicious organic candy bars are produced in the most innocent of ways.

Angell Bars are packaged in 100% recycled, 50%+ post-consumer cardboard caddies, and run their website on servers powered by renewable electricity.

 

Find out more about Angell bars at www.angellbar.com

 

Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

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Save up to 50% on Kitchen, Home & Garden Markdowns at Amazon - - ends 12/31

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click here to see Save up to 50% on Kitchen, Home & Garden Markdowns

Through December 31, 2011, save up to 50% on year-end deals in Kitchen, Home & Garden.

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Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine

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photo credit

I don’t cook with cooking wine very often. Every now and then I’ll come across a recipe that I want to try that calls for it, like the Marsala Whipped Sweet Potatoes recipe below.

The Hollan Hous Marsala Cooking whine is a very nice cooking wine and adds a nice flavor to dishes.  The press release below says it adds a sweet nutty flavor to Holiday sides but I say this is good for everyday sides as well.

So pick up a bottle today and try one of the following dishes.  Enjoy!

 

PRESS RELEASE:

In addition to being a natural marinade for meats and versatile choice when sautéing, Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine adds a sweet nutty flavor to Holiday sides. Wow guests with these simple and delicious sides, including:

· Marsala-Laced Mushrooms

· Marsala Whipped Sweet Potatoes

· Marsala-Poached Pears

________________________________________________

Marsala-Laced Mushrooms

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Mushroom lovers will delight in this delicious, easy side dish. Great with roast turkey, beef, or lamb. Juice from the mushrooms can be added to gravy for a sensational flavor boost.

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1/3 cup Holland House Marsala
Cooking Wine
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
16 oz. thickly sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. dried sage (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425ºF. Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Combine Holland House® Marsala cooking wine and soy sauce; stir in butter. Pour mixture over mushrooms in a large bowl. Let stand 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together bread crumbs, cheese, and sage. Melt remaining tablespoon butter and stir into bread crumb mixture. Set aside.

Pour mushrooms into an 8- or 9-inch pie plate, square baking dish, or similar size shallow baking dish. Bake on upper oven rack 15 minutes. Remove from oven and use a ladle or turkey baster to remove half the juice. (Use the juice for gravy or meat sauce!) Sprinkle mushrooms with bread crumb mixture and bake 10 minutes more.

Note: If recipe is doubled, add about 5 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (Per serving): 160 calories, 6g protein, 13g carb, 7g fat (4 g sat. fat), 20mg chol, 540mg sodium, 1g fiber

________________________________________________

Marsala Whipped Sweet Potatoes

INGREDIENTS

3 lbs. orange-flesh sweet potatoes (red garnets)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine
6 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Grated peel of 1 orange
1/4 cup whipping cream (optional)
Toasted pecan pieces

DIRECTIONS

Fill a 6-quart pot halfway with water. Peel each potato and place in pot to prevent browning. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes and return to pot. Drain water so there is enough just to cover potatoes. Stir in salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes or until potatoes are soft.

In a small microwaveable bowl or 1-cup glass measuring cup, heat marsala cooking wine in microwave 1 minute on medium power or until very hot. Stir in butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange peel.

When potatoes are cooked, drain water from pot. Add marsala cooking wine mixture to pot. Whip with electric beater until smooth. Stir in cream, if desired. Keep warm until ready to serve. Garnish with pecans.

Helpful Hint: Whipped sweet potatoes may be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat in microwave, covered, on medium power. Stir occasionally.

Nutrition Information (per serving): 260 calories, 3g protein, 36g carbohydrate, 12g fat, (7g sat. fat), 30mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 5g fiber

________________________________________________

Marsala-Poached Pears

Makes 8 servings (with about 1/3 cup sauce total)

Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dessert, our Marsala-poached pears are delectable served warm with a bit of ice cream or whipped cream. Easier than pie, with the wonderful flavor of Marsala wine.

INGREDIENTS

4 Bartlett pears, about 8 oz. each
1/2 cup Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine
2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 Tbsp. butter
Vanilla ice cream
Toasted pecans (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Cut pears in half lengthwise and remove cores. Measure Marsala cooking wine into a small mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg; stir to dissolve sugar.

Melt butter in a large 12-inch skillet. Stir in Marsala mixture. Cook over medium heat until bubbly. Place pears in pan, cut side down. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 30-45 minutes or until cool enough to serve.

Place each pear half in a small bowl. Stir remaining sauce in pan; drizzle each serving with 1-2 teaspoons warm sauce. Top with a small scoop of ice cream, and if desired, toasted pecans. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• Use an apple corer to easily remove cores from pear halves.

• If pears are really firm and green, add 5 minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Information (Per serving; without pecans): 170 calories, 1g protein, 26g carb, 7g fat (4g sat. fat), 20mg chol, 150mg sodium, 1g fiber

 

 

 

Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

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A Time Saving Tip for the Kitchen

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A tip I read a long time ago was to do veggie preps as soon as you come home with your groceries and you have everything put away except the produce.

Go ahead and chop or make carrot sticks and put them in a container.

Shred lettuce or tear for salads, etc. and put into a container

Slice cucumbers and put in container

Cut strips of peppers and put in a container.

I used to do that a while and it worked great.

Now I just make a habit of checking the fridge daily for what we have that need used up and make stuff for lunch or change up my menu plans for that day to accommodate if necessary.

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Holiday Sales & Buying Gifts for the Next Year’s events

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The day after Christmas and a couple weeks following is when I starting watching stores for markdowns on holiday gifts, toys, etc.  I not only shop after Christmas sales but other holiday sales. 

The after holiday sales is when I start buying presents for the next years’ birthdays, valentines day, anniversary, and yes… even Christmas for the next year. 

I love those 50% off sale but the 75% and 90% off even better for the bigger the discount, the slimmer the selection is.

I not only buy gifts but sometimes by wrapping paper and bows too. I watch for wrapping paper that can be used for birthdays, etc.

I keep a box in my bedroom with these gifts for the next year.  Whenever a birthday comes up or a birthday party invite for a child, etc. I can just go into the box and find an appropriate gift at a fraction of the cost and also avoid a trip into town that take me 30 minutes to get there (more if there’s a cow out in the road or I get behind a tractor or a log truck).  

So not only do I save money but I also save time by shopping in advance like this.

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Homemade Shake and Bake II

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I have a recipe posted for Homemade "Shake & Bake" but here is another one:

Homemade Shake and Bake

(from the Tightwad Gazette)
4 cups flour
4 cups ground crackers
4 tbsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
3 tbsp paprika
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Mix all together and store in a container in the fridge.

Use to coat chicken, fish, steak, etc.

 

If you like making your own mixes from seasoning blends, etc. be sure to check out and maybe pick up a copy of any or all of the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

**
(click on either of those to go to the Amazon page for that book or one of the links below)
Make A Mix
More Make A Mix
and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
or the Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes but I don't have that one so not sure what all is in it.

 

So check the books out if you get a chance. You can order them through Amazon, maybe find them on ebay, or look at your local used bookstore.

here are a few of the mixes from the Make A Mix Revised book I use on a regular basis: (some of the mixes are found in the other two books)

• Muffin Mix
• Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Taco Seasoning
• onion seasoning mix (which is kinda like Lipton and I use it to make dip with ... yum yum yum)
• crisp coating mix
• Cornbread mix
• quick mix (this is like bisquik and is very very very good)

I have also made and use occasionally just not used as frequently as the above ones. I haven't made some of these in a while though but will be making most of them again soon due to us going back to the homemade items, etc. and getting away from the prepackaged stuff more and more... not much store bought package stuff left here now.

• Hot Roll Mix
• BreadMaker Mix (when I still had the bread maker, now I make my bread by hand and use another recipe)
• Graham cracker crust mix
• sweet quick bread mix
• all purpose cake mix
• snack cake mix
• vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
• cookie mix
• granola mix
• dried calico bean soup mix
• all purpose ground meat mix (this one is awesome)
• meatloaf mix
• meatball mix
• meat sauce mix
• Mexican meat mix
• navy bean mix
• slice and bake cookies (various ones and these are an absolute favorite of mine... I even used one of the recipes as a basis to make up one of my own -- it's posted over in the recipe forum)
• chocolate syrup mix
• chili seasoning mix
• home-style dressing mix
• spaghetti seasoning mix
• chicken continental rice seasoning mix (fave of ours)
• spanish rice seasoning mix
• hot chocolate mix
• Russian refresher mix (kinda of like Russian Tea mix but doesn't call for instant tea)

That's the basic mixes I use. From those you can make various recipes with them.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Time

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I hope you have enjoyed this series on homemade gift ideas.

This final post of the series is about “TIME”.

One of the most valued gifts you can give another is some of your time. 

A helping hand when they need it.

Or whether it is to just sit and talk when they need a listening ear.

Consider visiting a nursing home, an elderly shut-in, etc. this holiday season and give them a bit of your time. Take them a home baked goodie and put a smile on their face.

May you have a blessed Christmas day and remember the true reason for the season.   Christmas isn’t about gifts, who got the most, who got the most expensive, etc.   It’s about a  Saviour who came to this earth as the ultimate gift. 

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas–Forget the Mistletoe! I’ve got Peanut Butter Kisses!

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Peanut Butter Kisses

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup honey
2 cups dried milk

Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Shape into a long, thin-medium roll/log, cut into small pieces.

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It’s Mega Swagbucks Day!

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Today is Mega Swagbucks Day!

Swagbucks is a loyalty program where you can earn free stuff including 1,000′s of products including gift cards to places like Amazon, CVS, Barnes and Noble, and more places.

Sign up here to get started. No credit card required! It’s totally free!

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Peanut Butter Fudge

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Candy at Christmas just isn’t all there unless there’s some fudge to be had!

Peanut Butter Fudge

2-1/4 cups light brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp. butter
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Grease a 9x5 pan and set aside. In 2qt saucepan, add sugar, milk and butter and heat to boiling while stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.

Continue boiling 5 minutes longer, stirring constantly.

Cool 10 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until well blended.

Pour into the greased pan and refrigerate for at least 3 hours then cut into squares and Enjoy!!

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Crayon Roll

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I told you how to make Coloring Books the 7th.

I told you how to make Crayon Disks on the 11th.

Now how about a Crayon Roll?

There are several great tutorials online on how to make these. Here is just one of them that has great steps and pictures:  Crayon Roll Tutorial

A child is sure to love this. Add with a coloring book (homemade or store bought) and you’re set for a nice little, inexpensive gift.

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Shop Amazon's Magazine Deals - $5 -$10 & $15 Off ends 12/31

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Shop Amazon's Magazine Deals - $5-$10 & $15 Off

Prices good through 12/31

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Homemade Jams, Jellies, or Fruit Butters as well as Pickles & More

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If you’re a home canner, you know that not only do you have some provisions on your pantry shelves but also potential gift items.

Here are a few of the recipes I have posted here on my blog that will help you fill up your pantry shelves as well as delight someone with a jar of homemade goodness:

• Apple Butter
• Apple Butter in the Crock-pot
• Banana Butter
• Barbecue Sauce
• Cold Pack Cucumber Pickles
• Jalapeno Jelly
• Lavender Syrup
• Easy Orange Marmalade & Make your Own Dried, Ground Lemon Peel and Orange Peel
• Canned Hot or Sweet Peppers
• Okra Pickles
• Pear Butter
• Pickled Eggs
• Pumpkin Butter Made in Your Crock-Pot
• Rhubarb – Canned
• Rhubarb Conserve
• Rhubarb Sauce
• Rhubarb Strawberry Conserve
• Rhubarb Strawberry Jelly
• Sauerkraut Made In Jars
• Sauerkraut Made in Jars II
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Strawberry Jam
• Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam
• Zucchini Help
• Zucchini Relish
• Canned Shredded Zucchini

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Special Video Game Deal: Save Up to $25 on Game Downloads ends 12/31/11

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Now until December 31st, you can gear up with the lastest gaming hardware and accessories and save up to $25 on the best video game downloads of 2011.

Visit Amazon's Video Game Deals Page

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Amazon Movie Deals!! DVD’s under $5 and Blu-Rays under $10

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DVD's under $5

and

Blu-Ray DVDs under $10

Get FREE Shipping on  those with Amazon Prime Membership.  Not a member yet?  You can get a 30 day trial period.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Peanut Butter & Chocolate Candy Bars

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from a previous blog post: Peanut Butter & Chocolate Candy Bar

you need:

1 pkg of Almond Bark (chocolate) Walmart sells this for $1.50 (approx)
1 box of saltine crackers
creamy peanut butter

Melt chocolate in double boiler. You may add a spoonful of shortening if you wish to make a thinner chocolate.

Use one cracker and put peanut butter on it and then top with another cracker. You enough peanut butter so that when you form the sandwich with the crackers, some of it oozes out the sides just a little.

Dip prepared crackers in the melted chocolate to fully coat them on all sides, lift and place on wax paper to cool.

These taste similar to a twix candy bar.

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Twelve Days of Homeschool to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas

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As a homeschool parent, I can relate to this and yes, I am a little strange. LOL

 

Thanks to CQ over at Hickery Holler Farm blog for sharing this find.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

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from a previous blog post: Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

For the Cake:
powdered sugar
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar, granulated
2/3 cup pureed pumpkin (store bought or home processed)

For the filling:
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
6 tbsp butter or margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
powdered sugar

Cake Directions:
Preheat oven to 375º. Grease a 15x10" jelly roll pan and line it with wax paper. Grease and flour the paper. sprinkle a towel with powdered sugar.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar until thick. Beat in the pureed pumpkin. Stir in the flour mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto the towel with powdered sugar sprinkled on it. Carefully peel of the wax paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with the narrow end. Cool on a wire rack.

Filling Directions:
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract until smooth.

To make the roll:
Carefully unroll the cake and remove towel. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the cake. Re-roll the cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with some powdered sugar before serving. Makes about 10 servings

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$5 Sale on 19 magazine subscriptions through December 26.

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Different batch of magazine on the $5 deal! Check them out!

$5 Sale on 19 magazine subscriptions through December 26.

Good Housekeeping
Woman's Day
Country Living
Redbook
Seventeen
Road & Track
and more!!

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Cookies

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Who doesn’t love a platter of homemade cookies?

Pick up a pretty platter at a thrift store or discount store, make a batch of cookies and line them up, wrap in pretty colored cellophane with a bow, and put a smile on your recipient’s face.

Here are a few recipes to choose from as well:

• Chocolate & Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
• Chocolate Truffle Cookies
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Slice & Bake Butterscotch Cookies
• 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Chocolate Covered Cherries, easy!

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You need:

1 jar of maraschino cherries, drained
chocolate (I use chocolate almond bark from Wal-mart)
toothpick
wax paper

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Use the toothpick to swirl a cherry into the chocolate to cover it. Place on wax paper to cool.

That's it. Easy and tastes as good as the store bought ones.

 

A memory about Chocolate covered cherries....
Whenever I make these or eat chocolate covered cherries, I think of my Mom. Growing up, Dad would always buy Mom a box for Christmas. Dad died October 15, 2003 and Mom continued to go downhill until she became a resident of a nursing home unable to care for herself. I often wonder if she remembers those special gifts that Dad bought her for as long as I can remember.

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A Fantastic Homeschool Freebie that hubby brought home!!

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My husband came in from work and said he’d brought me something.

That something happened to be a full size chalkboard with cork strip along top and the standard chalk and eraser tray along the bottom and it’s magnetic.

He works in construction and does remodeling sometimes along with from the ground up construction. This goodie was being thrown out and he snagged it from going into the dumpster and eventually the landfill. There is nothing wrong with it!

Look at this baby!  Now to figure out where to put in our dining room/school room.

I am so thankful for a husband who knows what will be useful for us and doesn’t mind rescuing things from the fate of a landfill.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Gifts in a Jar

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Some of you have probably seen posts wherein I mentioned the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

• Make A Mix
• More Make A Mix
• and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
• and the  Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes

You can use many of those mixes to make up Gifts In a Jar or make up some specialty seasons, dry cookie mixes, etc.

You can also google Gifts in a Jar to get some recipes and ideas.  Here’s a free ebook:  Gift in a Jar Recipes, Jar Recipes, Jar Mixes

 

Here’s one to get you started:

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix In A Jar

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

To Assemble

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.In a 1 qt canning jar, place the flower mixture then layer the remaining ingredients in order listed. Press after each layer. Seal. You can decorate with fabric and ribbon and use as a gift.

Attach this recipe on a tag tied around the jar:

Preheatoven to 375° F.

Beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg and 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until blended.

Add cookie mix and 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); mix well, breaking up any clumps.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Apple Star Stamps

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Apple Star Stamps

Supplies Needed:

• Apple, any variety
• paint, any color
• paper, any color

Instructions:

1. Cut an apple in half across its midsection. You will see the design of the star that is made by the core and seeds of the apple.

2. Dip into paint and stamp onto paper. If you use acid free paint and acid free/lignin free paper, you can use this in your scrapbooks or even use this method to stamp a design onto something else.

There are many versions of the apple star story:
below is one of them
http://www.mrsmcgowan.com/1stgrade/applestory.htm

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Eggshell Sidewalk Chalk

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Eggshell Sidewalk Chalk

Materials Needed:

• 4-5 eggshells

• 1 tsp flour

• 1 tsp hot tap water

• food coloring, optional, use when you want colored chalk

Instructions:

• Wash and dry eggshells.

• Put in a bowl and grind into powder.

• Throw out any large pieces.

• Pour flour and hot water plus 1 TBSP of the eggshell powder in another bowl.

• Mix until mixture looks like paste.

• Add food coloring at this point if you wish.

• Shape and press the paste into the shape of chalk sticks.

• Roll up tightly in a strip of paper towels and allow to dry for about three days.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Hot Pack for soothing aches and pains

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Hot Pack for soothing aches and pains

Materials needed: 

• washcloth in desired color

• 1 lb bag of white rice

• sewing machine with matching color threaded

• needle and thread in matching color to washcloth

Instructions:

• On the sewing machine, sew all but one corner of the washcloth.
• Turn inside out and fill with the 1 pound bag of rice.

TO USE: 
           Place filled washcloth in the microwave for one minute and then apply to affected area to soothe aches and tired muscles.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Themed Gift Baskets

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This has to be my favorite gift giving idea!  I love to make up themed gift baskets for others.

Some ideas for themed gift baskets include:

• Movie Lovers – Popcorn bowl filled with candy bars, microwave popcorn, 2 sodas, and a DVD (look at places like Walmart etc. that have the $1 and $5 movies). Check Dollar Tree for the Popcorn bowl and maybe even a movie.
• Pasta Night – Line the bottom of a nice basket with handle from a thrift store with a red checkered napkin (make it if  you can) then put in some boxes of pasta, a jar of pasta sauce, a loaf of Italian bread (homemade if possible), a container of parmesan, a bottle of Italian seasoning, etc.
• Coffee Lovers – Take a coffee mug and put in some coffee stirrers (chocolate covered ones you make, cinnamon ones, then put into a basket or other gift holder with a container of their favorite coffee, creamer, etc.
• Tea Lovers – see Coffee Lovers above
• Garden Gurus – Use a nice garden basket (look at thrift stores) and put in seed packets, flower bulbs,  a hand shovel, hand trowel, garden gloves, and/or a gift card to Lowes, Home Depot, etc. so they can buy a few plants too.

The list really is endless if you just sit and think about who the person is you’re giving the gift to and then make a basket accordingly.  They will love  your thoughtfulness as well as the gift.

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Pinterest

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From the site…

Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

Find out more here: http://pinterest.com/about/

You can follow me on Pinterest:

If you want an invite … email me through my contact form and be sure to put your email address in the form. I will send you an invite which you can click on and sign up immediately so you can either follow me or others as well as start your own Pinboard.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Crayon Disks

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Making new crayons from little bits and pieces of your children's crayons

Don't throw those little bits and pieces or the stubby little crayons away, make "NEW" crayons with them.

You can make what my kids call "Crayon Cookies" simply by following these directions:

1. Line a muffin pan with muffin paper or tinfoil,

2. Put in some of crayon bits, you don't need a lot,

3. Then put in the oven on 250-300 degrees to melt, slightly enough to hold together. (don't melt them completely or you'll have blob of dark colored cookie)

4. Take muffin pan out of oven and let cool completely.

5. Pop out and peel off the paper/foil and voila... you have crayon cookies.
The "crayon cookies" will have a variety of colors if you mix bits and pieces of different colored crayons.
These are easy for small hands to hold and color with.

They also make wonderful homemade gifts for your children, grandchildren, etc. combined with some printable coloring pages that you made into a book or with store-bought coloring books.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Rainstick Instrument

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Rainstick Instrument

Rainsticks are ceremonial musical instruments used to invoke the rain spirits.

This one is not a traditional rainstick, but it's fun to play with and easy for the kids to make.

Supplies needed:

• A paper towel tube
• aluminum foil
• Dried beans (lentils work nicely) or dry rice
• Brown construction paper
• Stickers and or paper shapes in various colors.
• Glue
• Scissors
• Crayons or marker

Instructions:

Step 1: Hold the tube upright on a piece of the brown construction paper and trace around the end of it. Then draw a slightly bigger circle around that circle, so you can cut it a little to fold down over the ends of the tube to make "caps". Make two of these.

Step 2: Put glue on one of the "caps" and place it onto one end of the tube.

Step 3: Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is about one and half times the length of your paper towel tube and about 6 inches wide. Then cut into lengthwise.

Step 4: Take the two lengths of foil and scrunch them into thin strips (not too tight though). Then twist them a little.

Step 5: Put the two scrunched and twisted strips of foil into the paper towel tube.

Step 6: Fill your tube 1/10th of the way full with some dry beans or rice into the paper towel tube.

Step 7: Put the remaining "cap" on the other end the same way you did the first one.

Step 8: Decorate the tube with colored construction paper shapes, stickers, feathers, or however your child would like to decorate them.

Allow to dry completely before the kids play with them.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Homemade Loops for the Small Weaving Looms

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Homemade Loops for the Small Weaving Looms

Most people just toss those colorful hosiery when they get runs in them, etc., the white ones, black ones, etc.

You can even find some purple, red, and other colors in the thrift stores for great prices next to nothing.

Instructions:

• Wash and dry the hosiery.

• Take and cut loops out of the legs and you have NYLON LOOPS that the craft stores sell in those little bags of loops.

• You can also make jersey ones out of old jersey shirts, just using the sleeves to make the loops.

Your child will enjoy the small weaving loom. Look for the looms at thrift stores and yard sales as  you can sometimes find them new in the box still.

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Winner of December Molly’s Money-Saving Digest: Molly Saves! In the Powder Room

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The winner of  Giveaway & Review: December Molly’s Money-Saving Digest: Molly Saves! In the Powder Room is..

Comment #5

 

Tina said... 5

Shared on twitter. :)
Twitter id: SimpleBlessings
simpleblessingsfarm@comcast.net

 

 

Congratulations!

The prize will be sent to your email. Enjoy! 

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Lip Gloss

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Lip Gloss

Materials Needed:

• 2 TBSP Vaseline

• 1 TBSP pre-sweetened drink mix (any flavor)

• small bowl

• stirring stick (like a coffee stirrer or toothpick)

• container to hold lip gloss

Instructions:

• Mix the Vaseline with the drink mix  in a small bowl. Stir to thoroughly mix.

• Pour into a plastic container such as an empty film canister, or small plastic containers that you can buy at craft stores (the smallest ones are perfect size for lip gloss)

• On the bottom of the container, put a piece of tape use a marker to write the the flavor and the date made. The kids can decorate their containers with stickers, paints or glitter glue.

To use: 

          Child can use a lipstick brush or their finger to apply.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Homemade Coloring Books

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Homemade Coloring Books

• Print off several coloring pages (google free coloring pages and there are a lot to choose from)

• Staple them together with a nice colored sheet of paper for the front and back

• Use matching colored tape to cover the staples while making a binding from top to bottom at the same time.

• Then take stencils or stamps and put the child's name on the front along with some artwork

Stick in Child’s gift bag, stocking, or Gift box along with a pack of crayon, markers, and/or coloring pencils.

 

 

This post is linked to these wonderful blog hops:

• Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #4

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Needle Craft gift ideas

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Needle Craft Gift Ideas

In addition to making up a gift bag or gift basket of needle craft supplies such as new packets of needles, thimbles, patterns or pattern books, yarn or thread, etc.; Here are additional ideas you can use as gifts… even better if you made them yourself.

Crochet Ideas:

1. blanket/afghan
2. potholders
3. dish cloths
4. slipper "socks"
5. scarf, hat and mittens

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Knit Ideas:

1. sweater
2. scarf, hat, and mittens

---

Cross Stitched ideas:

1. bookmark with a picture, poem, saying, or the person's name on it.
2. cross stitch a nice pattern and frame it.
3. bath or kitchen towels with a picture, poem, saying, or the person's last name on it.
4. baby bib with a cute animal, the baby's name,  or a cute little saying on it.
5. cross stitch a small item to use in a small frame for a magnet
6. tote bag or apron with the person's name cross-stitched.
7. handkerchief (you could embroider or cross-stitch the person's initials on it, or for the ladies, put a pretty rose or other flower, or a bird on it.

---

Sewn Ideas:

1. Aprons
2. potholder
3. lap quilt
4. napkins
5. tablecloth
6. placemats  (you could make a set of matching napkins and placements)
7. tote bag or purse
8. pillow
9. organizer bag for the crafter to hold crochet hooks, knitting needles, etc.
10. wall hanger (quilt or other)
11. handkerchief (you could embroider or cross-stitch the person's initials on it, or for the ladies, put a pretty rose or other flower, or a bird on it.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Pine Cone Crafts

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Pine Cone Crafts

There's a many things you can make with pine cones. Here are just a few ideas: 

All of the following craft ideas use the large pine cones.

 

Fire Starters:  Dip in melted wax (any color) and then roll in sawdust to use as a fire starter in your woodstove or fireplace. You can use old candle bits for the melted wax.  Just melt in a tall can over a burner on low heat, on top of your woodstove, or in a double boiler.

 

Bird Feeders:  Coat a pine cone with a little creamy peanut butter then roll in bird seed.  Tie a string around the top and then tie to a tree limb.

 

Holiday decorations: Spray them with silver or gold paint.  Fill a basket with them and tie a pretty red bow around the basket.

 

Tree ornaments:  Spray paint them the color you want, tie a matching ribbon around the biggest portion of the cone. You'll have to poke it back in under the top layer so it's not visible.  Hang from your tree by the ribbon or attach an ornament hook.

Scented Pine Cones:

Materials Needed:
* To scent 2 lbs of pine cones you will need approximately 3 ounces of cinnamon oil
* rubber gloves
*a small tipped art/paint brush
* a plastic bag. 

NOTE: You can also substitute the cinnamon oil with other scented oils including allspice oil, orange oil, clove oil, nutmeg oil, peppermint oil, etc. Look in your craft store's soap and candle making sections for the variety of oils you could use in this project.

Step 1:  Put on your gloves so the scented oil won't irritate your skin. While doing this project, keep your hands away from your face and eyes.  You can wear safety goggles if you wish for more eye protection from splatters.

Step 2:  Place the plastic bag on a flat surface. You will use this to dry your pine cones on.

Step 3: Using the small art/paint brush, brush each pine cone with the scented oil. After brushing, sit the pine cone on the plastic bag to dry.

USES:  You can use them in decorations after they have dried. The scented pine cones gives a nice aroma to the decoration and the room it's used in. If you plan to give the pine cones as gifts, add extras such as cinnamon sticks tied to the top of the cinnamon scented cones, dried lavender flowers to lavender scented cones, small holiday florals, bows, ribbon, etc. 

 

Pine Cone Christmas Tree: 

Materials Needed:

* glue (white glue works well with the glitter)
* silver or white glitter or any other color you want
* dental floss
* tiny beads, red, green, or any color you wish to make a small garland. You can also use sequins
* needle
* ribbon, a small bow, small star or other item for the topper.

Step 1: Put a little dab of glue on the tips of the pine cone

Step 2:  Sprinkle on the glitter.  Allow to dry completely.

Step 3:  While the pine cone is drying, take some dental floss threaded through a needle and string some small beads. This will make a small garland for your "tree". 

Step 4:  Put some glue onto the pine cone where you wish to string the garland and then put the garland onto the glue.  Allow to dry completely.

Step 5:  Top the tree off with a small bow or a small gold star or other decoration.

 

 

This post is linked to these wonderful blog hops:

• Make Your Own! Monday link-up 12/05
• Barn Hop #39
• A Savvy HomeMade Monday!!!

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In an effort to cut back on electric, I bought one of these

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It's a floor sweeper for carpets, tile, etc.

Being we only have two rooms with carpet in them now, and our vacuum we had broke, I couldn't justify spending $50 or more for another electric vacuum. 

So I talked to hubby and he and I both agreed that this was a good option.  It truly does a nice job on picking stuff up off the carpets.  I don't use it on the wood floor, lineoleum, or tiled rooms but you could. I just prefer and old fashioned broom for those.

No electric used.

No bags to buy.

It’s easy to empty just like a canister vac is. 

 

 

Amazon has other Floor Sweepers to choose from too. One even has a rechargeable battery but alas that would still use electric to charge the battery

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Make your own gift bags

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Make your own gift bags

If you need a small gift bag you can make my own out of brown paper lunch bags (or the white ones).

Decorate Ideas:

• Decorate them with scraps of material that has flowers, bears, stars and hearts or whatever material on hand that's appropriate for the gift inside.
• Decorate them with rubber stamps.
• Decorate them with paints, glitter or whatever you want.
• Decorate with your own drawing or your own picture.
• Put the top off the bag a little using decorative scissors.

Put the gift in.

Fold the top over a couple of inches.

Punch two holes in the folded over top and secure shut by putting one of the following items through the holes and tying shut.

Ideas for securing the bag shut:

• ribbon
• curling ribbon
• twine
• raffia
• strips of pretty fabric

Lots of uses for these little bags.

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Giveaway & Review: December Molly’s Money-Saving Digest: Molly Saves! In the Powder Room

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In December’s Molly’s Money-Saving Digest, Molly Saves! in the Powder Room, you’re sure to find tips, tricks, and more to save money as well as beautify your home.

In this economy, having a friend like Molly to help you get the most of what you have is a great thing!  This month's digest will help even the novice at making homemade cleaners to help further the budget and gain a little more piece of mind in knowing that you do have an alternative to the expensive store brand cleaners.  Find recipes for an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and more. What savings!!!

This digest doesn’t just consist of cleaning product recipes though. No, you’ll find a beautiful, inexpensive bathroom remodel, how to make chicken broth as well as some delicious looking recipes for desserts and much more.

One of my favorite articles was the homemade Liquid Soap Dispensers. What pretty dispensers from things normally just tossed out in the trash or recycling bin. This is the ultimate recycling!

The Tightwad Training Camp continues in this digest with a very thought provoking “Calculating the Costs” article. It is sure to get you crunching the numbers and thinking outside the box!

If any of you have young children to buy presents for, you have got to see this Stop Spending on Children’s Toys! article. I know my children would love to play with an old box at times than with some new toy. A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing when it comes to playing with simple things.

See a sample HERE.

Not a member yet? Become a Molly Member! Only $3.95

And remember, if you can pay in advance with the six-month or 12-month prepaid membership options.   For only $23.70, you can enjoy six months of Money-Saving Digests, plus receive additional free E-Books and resources. This is a small investment to keep yourself armed and encouraged on your money-saving journey. The tips in each Digest easily recoup the cost!

If you wish to purchase this issue only, you may do so at this link: Molly Saves! in the Powder Room.  But why buy just one digest when you can join above for a $1 less and get more resources?!

 

 

Now for the  GIVEAWAY details….

This giveaway is open to everyone with a valid email!

NOTE: All entries must be in the form of a comment on THIS post. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this post and click the “Add Comment” link.

PRIZE:  One (1) copy of the Molly Saves! in the Powder Room digest will be emailed to a winner.

This copy is for your and your family/household use ONLY. It is not to be shared with anyone outside of  your home .

Mandatory Entry:   In a comment below, tell me what your biggest struggle is when it comes to your laundry, powder room/bathroom, or even share a great cleaning recipe!

Remember….Your comment must contain a way that I can contact you if you are the winner otherwise another winner will be chosen.

Extra Entry Possibilities:  (please make a separate comment for each one of these you do in order for you to gain an extra entry into the giveaway).

• Follow this blog via Facebook Networked Blogs
• Follow this blog on Facebook
• Follow Laura Williams' Musings on Twitter
• Subscribe via email to Laura Williams' Musings
• Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this blog post. Then come back here and post the direct link to the post on your blog.
• Share this on your Facebook Page
• Share this on Twitter

(If you already do any of the optional entries, just leave an extra comment stating which of those you do.)

Other Giveaway Information:

• The giveaway will be open until 11:59 pm EST Wednesday, December 7, 2011
• Winner will be chosen at random using random.org and will be announced shortly thereafter.
• Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry as stated above.
• Please leave a way for me to contact you in your entry otherwise another winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

 

Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Food gift ideas

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Food gift ideas

1. Apple Butter, Banana Butter, Pumpkin Butter, and or Pear Butter in a basket along with some homemade Easy Biscuits or bread.

2. Jam, jellies and marmalades in a goodie basket with a loaf of homemade bread and a some biscuits.

3. Herb Vinegars (use homegrown herbs and Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar).

4. Dried herbs (either in jars, bagged or bouquets)

5. Homemade pickles, relish or other home canned item(s). You could make up a basket of this along with a loaf of homemade bread.

6. Baggies or canning jars of homemade Mixes with instructions on how to fix with a few different recipes to use the mix with. You could make up a basket of these. If you did a snack bread mix you could add a zucchini, bananas or even a jar of pumpkin butter to make that snack bread.

7. Basket or bag of nuts that you gathered - could be walnuts, hickory nuts, chestnuts, etc. or a mixture of nuts. If you know they don't have nut crackers.....buy a pair relatively inexpensively and attach to the bag or put in the basket.

8. Dried wild strawberry leaves (washed and dried) in a packet to be used for tea. Attach a sticker that instructs them to steep 2 TBSP of leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, then strain and add sugar. Maybe put the bag of leaves in a nice coffee cup (or tea cup and give as a gift)

9. Bags of Homemade Noodles ( you could include in a basket along with some homemade French bread, and jar of home canned pasta sauce).

10. Basket with homemade bread & homemade butter.

11.  Basket of fruits and nuts or a basket of veggies that you could throw together with items you may have in your root cellar (if you have one). Tie up colored cellophane around it and tie a pretty coordinating bow.

12.  Recipe book that you made of some of your favorite recipes. Be sure to include some extra recipe cards along with the book.

13. Fill a tin with homemade cookies or homemade candy, fudge, chocolate dipped pretzels, etc.

14. Make a movie basket up for that movie lover. Use a popcorn bowl and fill it with some bags of microwaveable popcorn, some bags of movie type candy - goobers, raisinettes, etc., and include a gift card for a movie rental or include a DVD that he/she my like.

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Hot New Baby Coupons! Come and Get them! and a Listerine Coupon!

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• 60¢ off Beech-Nut® Baby Cereal Printable Coupon
• $1.10 off Beech-Nut® Stage 2 1/2™ Baby Food Glass Jars Printable Coupon
• $1.85 off Beech-Nut® Stage 2 1/2™ Baby Food Glass Jars Printable Coupon
• $1.25 off when you buy any ONE LISTERINE® SMART RINSE® Anticavity Flouride Rinse 500ml

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Gardening Gift Ideas

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1. Framed pressed flowers with mats (if you're crafty you could make the frames from wood lying around or branches)

2. Dried herbs (either in jars, bagged or bouquets)

3. Wooden bird feeder with a bag of bird seed

4. Pinecone bird feeders (cover with a little peanut butter, roll in bird seed, tie on a pretty red bow, wrap in cellophane)

5. Row markers (use the big popsicle sticks (tongue depressors would work really good - them write on them with a permanent marker or paint on them)

6. Packets of seeds (save some seeds from your harvest and flowers - then make up some little packets for them out of heavyweight paper. You could draw a picture of the vegetable or herb on the front and type up the important stuff for the back (use a label for ease of doing this). You could attach a little card that says "From my garden to yours - may your harvest be bountiful" You could put the flower seeds in a flower pot along with a small bag of potting soil (buy a big bag and then separate into smaller bags to use with gifts)

7. Basket of scented pine cones

8. Basket of pine cone fire starters (providing the gift recipient has a fireplace or wood stove to use these in)

9. A gardening apron that you made. (use garden themed material) It could have one pocket straight across from hip to hip with sections in it to hold their seeds, small gardening tools etc. You could stuff the apron into a flower pot, attach some seed packets, include a bag of potting soil (see #6 above), and a pair of gardening gloves.

10. Make a knee pad from some old cushion and cover with a water resistant material that can be wiped clean.

 

This post is part of these wonderful blog hops:

• {Garden Life} No Ordinary Canning Jars

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25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas: Homemade Snow Globes

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Today is the first day of my series on 25 Days of Homemade Gift Ideas. I make gifts for people for not only Christmas, but birthdays, wedding or baby showers, etc.

That’s not to say I don’t put in some store bought goodies I bought on sale or clearance though… because I do that too.

You don’t have to let gift giving take a huge bite out of your budget.  Consider making something for a little one, a friend, etc. instead of buying just another gadget they don’t really need.   

 

Homemade Snow Globes

Materials Needed:

• 1 canning jar or a baby food jar w/lid

• 1 small/med. item from dollar store

• glitter (any color)

• water (see note at bottom)

• glue, will need to be able to resist water)

Instructions:

Step 1: Glue item to the inside of the lid and allow to dry completely.
Step 2: Dump glitter in the jar to cover bottom
Step 3: Add enough water to jar but leaving enough space for the insertion of the item so it won't overflow.
Step 4: Insert the item into the water (it will be glued to the lid)
Step 5: Screw the lid on good.
Step 6: Flip over, shake a little and enjoy.

 

NOTE:

If you find that the water makes the glitter fall too fast. Add something oily so it's drifts down more slowly. You can add 1/2 water and 1/2 of one of the following baby oil, mineral oil or vegetable oil.

 

 

This post is part of this great blog hop:

Handmade Gifts From the Heart Blog Hop!

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