Free New Year's Eve Printables

Can you believe 2013 is coming to a close?

It's time to ring in the new year!

What better way than with some free New Year's printables!  Get your printers ready!!!

New Year's Eve Photo Booth Printables

Who doesn't love photo booth props?  I am always amazed at how fun and carefree these pictures turn out. I think the "masks" help people let their wild sides out!
iheartnaptime.net provided these fun printables for free!
Click over on the link, print on cardstock and then cut out.
Add a camera and your favorite peeps, then let the silliness begin!

New Year's Printable for Kids

Once our kiddos could write, we started having the girls reflect on things from the past year like favorite tv show, favorite family activity, best part of the year and so on and so on.  I have saved each year's reflections in a book and it is hilarious to look back at various years!  Here is a great one for you to start with.  Click over on the link to print yours out.  Make this an annual part of bringing one year to an end and starting the next year.  I think even the adults can participate on this one!  What a great printable from thirtyhandmadedays.com

Finally, something totally adorable!  As the evening comes to an end and after lots of snacking...you need to have fresh breath to kiss those you love!  After all, do you want to be remembered for having fish breath at the new year's eve gathering?  NOT a good way to start of the year!!!  So check this out!

New Year's Eve Kissable printable

OK, some people think of everything!!!
www.infarrantlycreative.net did just that!
Click over on the link to find a printable for the "mint-nite" kiss, just add some tic tac containers and you're good to go!

Hopefully there are several ideas to add to your new year's celebration!
We usually hang out and watch movies and play games...just good ol' fashioned fun in our warm house.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

New Year's Eve Fondue - A Tradition Continues

It's time to ring in the New Year!

Our family tradition is to take out the fondue put and get ready to snack!

Do you have one of these?  We got this when we first got married and thought to ourselves, "we'll never use this."  Never say never!  We have used it every year, at least once a year on New Year's and apparently we aren't alone.  Our kiddos make sure that this tradition is one to stay!

Did you know that having fondue is actually really simple.  The time is in preparing what you will dip.  You can keep the choices limited or GO CRAZY!

Fondue Ideas

tipnut.com has some great ideas for dippers, different, non-traditional melted cheese recipes as well as some delicious melted chocolate recipes.  Make sure to check out their blog page!

The normal fondue process is a 3 course process and is great over the long evening, awaiting midnight (especially for those of us whom are ready for bed by 9; that would be me).

Fondue usually begins with melted cheese for the first course, then hot oil for the main dish and finishes with the melted chocolate.  There are many variations to each, but here are my favorite varieties for each course.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

Swiss Cheese Fondue
sheknows.com has a really good recipe for swiss cheese fondue, the more traditional kind.

Ingredients:

2 cups white wine

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 pound Swiss cheese, grated

3 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 garlic clove, cut in half

Directions:

In a saucepan, heat up the wine and lemon juice on low. Do not boil.  In a separate bowl, mix together the grated Swiss cheese and flour.  Slowly add the cheese and flour mixture to the wine and lemon mixture in the saucepan, one handful at a time. Stir until completely melted.  After the cheese is melted, add in the ground pepper and nutmeg. Stir well.  Rub the cut garlic on the inside of your fondue pot and then discard.  Pour heated cheese mixture into the fondue pot. You are now ready to serve the fondue.

You can dip chunks of bread, soft pretzels, veggies and anything you love with cheese on it!  How about tortilla chips or even Fritoes???

Clean out your fondue pot before you begin the next course, the hot oil part.  Just heat oil in the fondue pot and when it is hot, you are ready for the main course.  Our favorite is to make a tempura batter (which can be store bought) and then dip strips of chicken, meat, shrimp and mushrooms into the batter.  Once coated, we skewer them on the fondue forks and into the pot they go.  They only need a minute or so to cook.  You can provide ranch, bbq, sweet and sour and honey sauces for dipping!

Finally, the best part...the CHOCOLATE!

Chocolate Fondue Recipe

Who doesn't like chocolate?  This one is super easy and rivals the one served at The Melting Pot.  Clean up your fondue pot from the oil before you begin the last course.  All you need is 12 oz of milk chocolate and 1 cup of heavy cream.  Melt both in your crock pot and get ready for dipping!  Some must have dippers...strawberries, angel food cake cut up into chunks, pound cake cut up into chunks, pretzels, bananas, marshmallows and anything else you love chocolatized!  You can change up the chocolate flavor by adding mint extract or nuts or caramel.  Really anything goes!

Maybe this will be a new tradition for you or maybe you will revive an old one.  Dust off your crock pot!

If you need help staying awake on New Year's Eve, this just may do the trick!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

New Year's Eve Hummus Station

Isn't that picture by Cristophers Dream Artistery funny?  (yes, I know the spelling looks funny, but it's correct)
I am totally on a hummus kick!  I love dipping fresh pita slices, crackers, pretzels, chips, veggies, my fingers...ANYTHING in it!

Have you ever thought of having a hummus station?

How fun would that be and what a great addition to have at a New Year's Eve party!

So since we are going to have a hummus station, I think we need to kick it up a notch from the standard hummus.  Let's think BIG and FLAVORFUL!

To start, you will need a basic hummus recipe and then we will ratch it up a notch or two.

Here is an easy 5 minute hummus recipe posted on lilluna.com, but originated from the bakerupstairs.com

You'll never want store bought again!

Homemade Hummus

Ingredients for Homemade Hummus

1 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, blend together the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt/pepper.  Then add the olive oil until you reach the desired consistency.

Printable Recipe for Basic Homemade Hummus

That's it!  Now you can make different kinds.

transientexpression.com has a lot of varieties to choose from.

Make a couple for the party or just a few, the choice is yours.  But look at how good these flavors look!  So hard to decide!  I think I'll make them all!

Hummus Party Varieties

There is Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Chipotle Feta Hummus, Spinach Artichoke Hummus and Spicy Hummus.  Click on the link above to get the recipes for each variety.  You will need to start with the plain hummus base, then you will add ingredients to change it up.

Won't that be a great station at your New Year's Eve Party?  Serve with flatbread triangles, pita chips, carrots or a spoon because your finger would not be a very sanitary thing to use.  Whatever flavors you use and whatever dippers you provide, I think there will be a crowd over in the hummus area!

Whether you have friends over for New Year's Eve or sit watching movies with your family, set up a hummus station!  What a yummy way to ring in the New Year!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

A New Year's Eve Appetizer for the Kiddos-Mini Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

The chicken ranch waffle sandwich, to me, is a totally Southern thing.

It is quite the duo!

Many people in the South eat this sandwich with syrup, but I prefer to eat mine with Monterey Jack cheese.  Either works!  The syrup will lend that sweet and salty flavor with the fried chicken that totally hits the spot, so maybe you should be adventurous and serve it that way.  They are a fun bite size appetizer that you can serve for New Year's Eve for the kiddos...your kiddos will really like it and somehow I think the adults may be sneaking some too!

Here's what you need:

mini Eggo waffles

chicken fingers sliced in half to fit on the mini Eggo waffle 

slices of Monterey Jack cheese (or use your favorite)

Ranch dressing

mini slices of lettuce
Or, eliminate the cheese, lettuce and ranch and just use syrup

Just toast the Eggo waffles and create your sandwich however you choose.

Printable Recipe Chicken and Waffle Sandwich

That's it!  A  finger food that is sure to please all ages!  Besides, the waffles make it really fun!  Decide if you want to serve yours Southern style with syrup or Midwest style with cheese.

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine 

New Year's Eve Munchie-Kettle Chips and Gorgonzola

New Year's Eve is just around the corner!

This is a super easy, highly addicting recipe that you will want to serve New Year's Eve or anytime you want a quick munchie!

Kettle Chips and Gorgonzola

This is sooo addicting!  The mixture of the kettle chips and gorgonzola is to die for!  We end up just standing in front of the pan of warm chips and cheese, eating while standing.  I know, kind of trough like!  Here's what you need to do:

Kettle Chips and Gorgonzola Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 bag of kettle chips

1 package of Gorgonzola cheese crumbles

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spread 1 bag of kettle chips on a a baking pan.  Sprinkle on the Gorgonzola cheese.  Bake the pan of kettle chips/cheese in the oven for 7-8 minutes.  Serve while warm.

Printable Kettle Chips and Gorgonzola Recipe

This is always a favorite at our house!  Guests love it and can't believe the simplicity!!!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Grilled Bread, Box of Jars and Crispy Chicken Thighs

Hmmm...bet you are wondering about that combo?

It isn't a game of which doesn't belong.

Remember from Sesame Street when they would show 3 items and you had to decide which did not belong in the group like apple, banana and car?  You may be thinking that an apple and a banana can be eaten in a car, so all three go together...but you would be way overthinking it!

So what's the deal?

A really cool restaurant in Chicago called State and Lake ChicagoTavern, just off State Street in The Wit Hotel...that's the deal! Whether you are local or planning on visiting the Windy City (maybe wait until the summer...pretty cold here right now), you should check this place out!

The menu changes seasonally and uses artisanal ingredients grown by local farmers.  But the really interesting part of the menu is the Box of Jars!  Oh my gosh, this is so fun, so good and is served with grilled bread. From a list of many, you pick three for your table and share away!  Check this out...you would never think of combining the ingredients together, but the combinations ARE incredibly delicious!

We tried the Chef's Country Pate with cherry preserves and a local mustard.

In our box of jars, we also chose Fig and Pepper Bacon Jam with manchego and “hot” almond.

Off to the left in the background was the Warm Dino Kale pudding with goat cheese and panchetta crouton.

These were crazy good on grilled breads!!!

Additionally we ordered Charcuterie and Cheese which is basically a meat and cheese tray...upscale!

 Again, the presentation is so fun!  Lots of artisenal meats and cheeses served with honeycomb (honey), a local mustard and a house jam.  Jars of grilled breads serve as your base for all the yummy items.

And if that wasn't enough...you will love the Crispy Chicken Thighs to share with your tablemates.

The crispy chicken thighs are piled high with mustard slaw, smoked chili honey and a pepper vinegar.  I can't even describe how good this combination tastes!

So, what can you take away from all this?

An awesome restaurant!

Lots of unique appetizers to share and converse over!

Artisenal quality local ingredients!

Making all this at home???  Probably not, but look closely at the presentation...you can do the same!  Create an upscale cheese or meat board.  Toast lots of bread slices in the oven.  Find some unique sauces from the grocery store and put them in jars! 

Add some mini wooden serving spoons and you can have the same type of presentation.  This would be especially good for New Year's Eve!

Well, what do grilled bread, box of jars and crispy chicken things have in common?  They all come from a great Chicago restaurant that will leave your tummy so, so happy!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Merry Christmas!

May you have

the spirit of Christmas
which is Peace,
the gladness of Christmas
which is Hope,
and the Heart of Christmas
which is Love.

A Sprinkle of This and That wishes you a Merry Christmas!

Christine

Christmas in Williamsburg

Have you ever experienced what Christmas must have been like in the 1700s?  You can have that experience at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.  Williamsburg was a settlement founded in 1632 and served as the capital of the Colony of Virgina from the late 1600s to the late 1700s.  Today it is a wonderfully restored village of what life was like during that time.  Costumed interpreters tell stories throughout the village to really give you a sense of the past and of America's early beginnings.  If you haven't had a chance to visit, this place should be on your bucket list.  As a child, I have visited several times.  As an adult, my husband and I have taken our children there as an extension to a Washington DC trip.  But my absolute favorite time of year there was during Christmas!  Coming from Florida, experiencing the cold of the north, seeing snow and an old fashioned Christmas was just magical!  And today, I still enjoy seeing images of Colonial Williamsburg during Christmas!  I think I need to go back!

In sticking to the time period, the Christmas decorations are simple, yet classic.  They are made with all natural ingredients from fruit to greenery, but the impact?  I love it!

Colonial Williamsburg Christmas Decoration

sweetteaandlemon.wordpress.com provided this wonderful image of greenery wedged into the corner of window frames.

Williamsburg inspired Christmas Centerpiece

betweennapsontheporch.net used the same concept of all natural ingredients for a Williamsburg inspired tablescape.

They used this type of contraption to anchor the apples, topped with a pineapple (the symbol of welcome) and then inserted some greenery and berries.  You can make one of these contraptions or buy one from an arts and crafts store.

I get inspired by all the natural decorations that the colonists used to decorate their homes during the Christmas season.  Hopefully it inspired you too.  If anything, hopefully it reminds you to look back towards a simpler time when we used what we had and that was enough.  Time with family was of upmost importance...well partly because they needed each other for warmth and the completion of chores, you knew I had to sneak in some humor...
I too get wrapped up in the "busy"ness of life and need to get off that roller coaster...try it, I promise you will be glad you jumped off for a little while.  A great time to start would me now!  Maybe a philosophy for the new year?!  Sounds perfect for me!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Christine

Reindeer Crunch for You and Santa's Team!

Here are a couple of  last minute ideas to throw together if you want a fun snack at home or need something to bring to a party.  One is for the human race and the other is for Santa's team...the reindeer, of course!

Reindeer Crunch

Reindeer Crunch

Ok, this is so good it is worth two pictures.  One in the serving bowl and one up close so you can see the details of what's in reindeer crunch.  This recipe originated from Christmas Southern Living 2011 and here's what you do.

Ingredients

12 cups plain popped popcorn

1 1/2 cups salted mixed nuts

1/2 cup butter

2 cups packed brown sugar

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

12 ounces chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.

2. Combine popcorn and nuts in large bowl.

3. Melt butter in medium heavy saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Stir in vanilla.  (watch to make sure it doesn't boil over)

4. Working quickly, pour sugar mixture over popcorn and nuts. Stir with a wooden spoon until coated.

5. Spread mixture in a single layer on two lightly greased two baking pans. Bake at 250 for 30 minutes, stirring once.

6. Cool in pans on wire racks for 15 minutes and break into chunks.

7. Melt chocolate in the microwave (melt on 50% power for 30 second increments, stirring after each 30 seconds until melted). Drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn.

8. Cool until chocolate hardens and break into chunks.

The sweet and salty combo is delicious!  Caramel popcorn, nuts and chocolate!!!  Always a great combo!  And with a name like reindeer crunch, you know it has to be fun and yummy!

Now what about Santa's team?  I know you are worried about that.  They may like this too, but I think they would prefer magic oats, yes, really.  So what you need to do, on the sly so the believers in your house won't know, is to put some oatmeal (not the instant kind) into some clear cellphane baggies and then top with this printable.

Reindeer Food

On Christmas Eve, read this to your little ones and then have them sprinkle some of the "magic reindeer food" onto your front lawn, whether there is grass or in our case, snow!  For sure Santa will find your house!  Love it!

Now you can make a quick snack for yourself, neighbors and the reindeer.  Maybe even leave some out for Santa, the popcorn reindeer crunch...not the oats!  You leave out oats and Santa may go right back up your chimney, leaving nothing behind...DON'T RISK IT!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Potato Soup

So by now you are beginning to realize you can't survive on Christmas cookies.  You have given it a good try, but you are beginning to realize that is the case.  Whether you have been at work or at home, the Christmas cookie seems to magically appear and of course you need to just have 1 or was it 8?  I am totally speaking from experience!  I now know that I cannot serve a plate full of cookies, much to my family's disappoinment, as a meal.  Rats!  But we all have been caught up in all the fun that comes with the holidays, so I need a really quick meal!  Into the archives I go and there is a soup recipe that is AWESOME!

Potato Soup

This potato soup is rich and creamy.  The kind of soup that will stick to your bones so that there won't be any room for cookies.  And it is 'soup'er easy (get it?) because it starts with a package of scalloped potatoes.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups water

1 (7.8 oz) package creamy scalloped potatoes

3 cups milk

1 8 oz sour cream

Toppings:  shredded cheddar and chopped chives

Bring water to a boil.  Crumble the potatoes and add to boiling water.  Mix well.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in milk and contents of sauce mix from packet in simmering potatoes.

Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-8 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently.

Stir in the sour cream and mix well.
Top with shredded cheese and chives.

Easy!

Serve with a slice of crusty garlic bread or cheesey bread and you have a yummy meal that will fill you up so that there won't be room for any more cookies.  Yea, right!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Gingerbread House - Is it up to code?

I am married to the most handsome, wonderful, funny and special husband ever!

He sounds perfect right?

Well, he does have a flaw...he is an architect.

Hmmm, you may be wondering how that could possibly be a flaw?  Let me tell you...it affects our drives in the car, sandcastle building and yes gingerbread house decorating.  You see, the architect in him must examine houses of any kind at anytime.  Even while he is driving, his eyes wander from the road!  I mean really wander from the road, like turned around, looking behind him positions...all while driving!  Sandcastle building, he has to take over.  He even uses credit cards to smooth the edges of the sandcastle and glares at ALL children (ours and strangers) who dare come near the seaside structure!  And gingerbread house making...well, they are certainly never up to code.  I guess he just can't help it?  But I think it drives him nuts!

So, did you know that the annual national championship gingerbread house building/decorating competition started yesterday at Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina?  It is the coolest thing!  I have seen the competition on HGTV, but I could only imagine how awesome it would be to see it live at that storybook hotel!  How hard it would be to not take just a nibble...guess I would be thrown out for that!

Oh my goodness!  Are these not the most impressive gingerbread houses ever?  The detail!  The creativity!  The structurally sound and built to code, deliciously, edible buildings!!!  My husband's vision of how a gingerbread house should be!

Then there is this...

I think the framer didn't do his job!  Kind of how gingerbread houses often turn out...

But yours can be something in between.  When the girls were little we would gather the family to make gingerbread houses.  Each gingerbread house would have it's own character!  Quite the gingerbread village!  It was always a fun way to get together over some snacks to create.  Then everyone would have a fun take home craft.  Yes, the kitchen would be a sticky mess, but it was worth the laughter and time together.

There are a few ways to simplify the preparation.  Now my husband used to build cardboard houses for the gingerbread builders to stick the graham crackers to (the control freak in him), but you can use graham crackers with royal frosting to create your own structure.  You could even make your own gingerbread...knock yourself out!  However, graham crackers work just fine with royal frosting and if they aren't "up to code," that will just add to their character.

Check this out for a great list from familyfun.com on how to do your own gingerbread house decorating party.

This is a great family activity for ALL ages!!!  Even the grandparents like to participate!  Such sticky fun and what could be better than nibbling on the house...such a photo op!  You won't have to worry about Grove Park security throwing you out!

Whether you can build a gingerbread house up to code or not...get your family together and create a whole gingerbread village.  You'll be glad you did!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Let it Snow...Snowflake Cut Out Cookies Supersized!

Nothing says Christmas like flour on your floor and in your hair!  Really, that is so true because it means that you have been baking!  The Christmas cookie is as integral to the holiday as eggnog.  Don't you think?

Now you could buy the ready premade dough from the refrigerator section of your grocery store, but I have the BEST (yes, it is the best) cookie dough for roll out cookies that is a mixture of store bought and homemade.  It is super simple and doesn't need any refrigeration time before rolling and cutting.

Here's what you need...

A 17.5 oz package dry sugar cookie mix

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup flour

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the cookie mix with the cream cheese until crumbly.  Mix in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.  Add enough flour to make a firm dough that you can roll out.  Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/4 of an inch thick.  Cut out with your cookie cutters.

Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes.  Let cool 1 minute on pan before removing to a wire cookie rack.  Then cool completely. 

Snowflake Cut Out Cookies

Now here's where it gets fun!  You can use any shape you want, but I used a supersized snowflake!  It is super whimsical!!!  The cookie is so good and is even better decorated with royal icing...which is super easy too!  What do you think of those results???

Royal Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 Tbsp meringue powder (in the baking aisle)

water, for icing consistency

Make the icing by combining powdered sugar and meringue powder.  Add water 1 tsp at a time.  Alternate with adding food coloring 1 drop at a time until the color and consistency is what you want.  You will want the icing kind of runny so that you can spread it across your cookie for complete coverage.  Decorate how you want and then allow to dry for 1 hour.

Cookie cutters come in SO many different shapes and sizes...you can really go wild!

To me, this would be such a fun project to do together with your family...no matter what age!

Be creative AND

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Christmas Cards

Oh, the Christmas card...I still like getting them.  Some people have switched to the electronically sent Christmas card, but I still enjoy making my way through "feet" of snow to the mailbox and seeing what is in inside.  I guess I am old schooled or like to hike the 50 steps in blizzard conditions to the mailbox?  I guess I exaggerate about how I get to the mailbox, but I am not exaggerating when I say I like to receive mail...not bills, the other stuff!

So what about the cards you send out?  Do you keep one for yourself?  I do!  I have put them in an album so we can see each year.  My cards go all the way back to when I was first married...man were we young!

Anyhow, I recently saw a really creative way to display the cards that you sent out each year.

Check this out!

Holiday Card display

Look at what orgjunkie.com did!

Simply mount your annual holiday photo on banner shaped pages that you can cut from pretty card stock paper from the arts and crafts store.  Add your picture.  Then add a cut out circle to display the year of the photo. Hang from some ribbon and attach to your mantel.  Isn't that clever?  How fun it will be for your family to take a trip down memory lane!  I have also seen the same concept used with all the pictures you have taken when your children visited Santa.  Sometimes those are hilarious!

Anyone who visits your home, during the season, will absolutely adore seeing your family through the years!  Otherwise, the pictures sit in an album or a box!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Last Minute Gifts

There is one week until Christmas!!!

Do you feel that way?

Well, have no fear.  It always turns out fine...we all just drive ourselves crazy in the meantime!

 But sometimes it seems that time is just the problem.  So here are a couple of last minute gifts.

Gift Idea - Cinnamon Butter

ericasbloggityblog.com has a great idea for friends, neighbors or co-workers that is different from cookies.  It is a delicious cinnamon butter recipe that you can just throw together.  

Here's what you need:

2 sticks butter softened
1 - 1 /12 cup powdered sugar
1 cup honey
2 teaspoons cinnamon

 Whip butter until fluffy. Add sugar, then honey, then cinnamon. Whip all ingredients together until fluffy and well incorporated. Scrape down the sides and whip some more.

She used 4 ounce jam jars which you can find by the canning items at your local grocery store. 

Make a cute little tag with what it is as well as ways to use the cinnamon butter like rolls, waffles, pancakes or french toast.  Yummy right?

And...who doesn't have chapped lips?  I just love the little saying that you could print on your own and all you need to do is add some chapstick.  Easy and cute!

Gift Idea - Pampering in a Jar

livingpractically.blogspot.com assembled this fun mason jar of goodies and we could all use a little bit of pampering!
The pampering in a jar kit inclues a pair of fuzzy socks, bubble bath, chapstick, hand cream and chocolate.

So there you go!  A couple of little ways to show someone you care.  So don't drive yourself crazy...all will be good...I promise!  Remember what the season is really about!  In fact, a few years ago I was able to hear Charlene Ann Baumbich speak about her book...The 12 Dazes of Christmas.

Link to her website

The book is a funny look about how we drive ourselves into a frenzy during the holidays and forget what Christmas is really about.  As she states, "Christmas! You either love it or you dread it. But one thing is for certain: It will arrive - whether you're ready or not. In this talk, I help listeners prepare their hearts for the season."  If you get a chance...check it out!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Holiday Lights Scavenger Hunt

I have fond memories of checking out Christmas lights in Florida!  As kids, we would put on our pjs and get into the car in search of pretty lights!  My parents always timed it just right...just as we would be returning home, guess who would be coming down the street in a red convertible?  Well, Santa of course!  Hello???  No snow in south Florida, so naturally Santa would switch to his shiny, red convertible.  Anyway, the big guy would be handing out candy canes and reminding us to get to bed so that he could deliver presents.  An AMAZING memory!!!

Once my husband and I had kids, the tradition continued!  Only this time the girls would be wearing pjs under coats, scarves, hats, mittens, boots, sweaters, blankets, etc...we weren't in Florida anymore!  I even hate to admit it, but it is the best feeling to have pjs underneath your coat!  No-one knows!!!  There have been quite a few times that I have heard moms wear that ensemble to take someone to school...just a quick ride, right?  Just something I have heard!  Never tried it myself...:)

Anyway, checking out your neighborhood's lights is a great tradition!  I have even found a fun way to "organize" your viewing!  The happyhomefairy.com has this cute printable.

So pack up the sleigh (van or car), add some warm drinks and snacks and enjoy the view!  

Here is a really simple and clean snack to eat on your "sleigh ride."

mineforthemaking.com mixed together some Golden Graham cereal, mini marshmallows and holiday 

m and m's.

Who knows, maybe you will see Santa in a red convertible!!!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes...seriously?

I think chocolate should be part of the food pyramid!  Don't you?

How often has just a little taste of it helped you through the day???

Since it is FREEZING outside, hot drinks are a must!  Of course hot chocolate is right up there as a necessary warm drink.  But what if?  What if hot chocolate came in cupcake form???  Is that possible???  It most certainly is!!!  Add a splash of peppermint and you have an awesome drink in cupcake form that will surely satisfy that bit of chocolate need you may have!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

How yummy these would be on a cold winter's night while sitting in front of a roaring fire?  Or how impressive and delicious a peppermint hot chocolate cupcake would be at a Christmas Eve dinner?  I could go on and on with important times to have these cupcakes!  But really?  There is no reason other than they are deliciously yummy!!!!

Here's how to make them...easybaked.net has a really simple recipe that I used and it starts with a box cake mix.  It also has this delicious whipped cream center with a touch of peppermint.  Totally a mug of hot chocolate in cupcake form!

Ingredients

One boxed dark chocolate cake mix

One packet of Dream Whip

1/2c. cold milk

3 tsp vanilla (divided) 

3 tablespoons of finely crushed peppermint candies

2 stick (4 oz.) of unsalted butter at room temp.

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup of hot cocoa mix

Andes peppermint candies unwrapped and mini marshmallows to decorate

Make cake mix according to box, and bake in 24 cupcake liners in muffin tins.  Cool cupcakes completely.

Make cream filling by placing Dream whip, milk and 1 tsp vanilla in a mixing bowl and beating on high until light and fluffy.  Add finely crushed  peppermint candy and gently fold in until well combined.

Hollow out a small hole in the middle of each cupcake.  Spoon about 1-2 Tbsp of the cream filling into each cupcake hole.

Now it is time for the frosting!  Cream butter, powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla and hot cocoa mix until well combined.  Beat until fluffy.  Frost your cupcakes and then add the toppings to decorate.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

You can even see a bit of the cream filling just under the hot cocoa flavored frosting.  Seriously?  The flavors of hot chocolate in the form of a cupcake!!!  I don't think I need to say anything more?

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Eggs Continental Casserole - A Secret Recipe Revealed!

Shhh....you need to keep this one on the QT!

This is my mom's recipe for the most wonderful egg casserole dish you will ever, EVER have!

My mom used to make this.  It is one of my absolute favorite recipes and I love to make some to share...BUT...I will share it with you and you only!  My mother-in-law has asked for the recipe for years and I just won't tell her.  I always laugh and say it is a family secret.  She doesn't know about this blog.  So my secret is still safe!  However, you still need to keep it quiet and if any innocent, older, grandma looking lady asks you... Don't share!!!

Kidding?  Or am I?

Anyhow, here it is...

Eggs Continental Casserole

I really can't explain it.  It is one of those dishes that you feel like you keep needing another helping.  The cheesiness at the top that smothers the eggs and the bread crust bottom...DELICIOUS!

Here's what you need:

6 slices of bread chopped into cubes (any kind is fine)

6 hard boiled eggs, diced

1 package of bacon bits

1 cup sour cream

2 Tbsp green onions, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Butter a square baking dish.  Put the chopped bread cubes onto the bottom.  Mix everything together but the cheese.  Lay the egg mixture on top of the bread cubes.  Top with cheese.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Look at all that yumminess!  Wake up your family with this casserole!  It is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

But remember...the recipe is a secret!  I am counting on you!

Celebrate the little things like old family recipes that make life sweet!

Christine

Hot Chocolate Bar

During the winter season, I fill up the pantry with all kinds of fun things to create your own special hot chocolate.  There are lots of flavored hot cocoas, fun marshmallows and yummy creamers to make that hot drink extra special during those long winter nights.  Trust me, our winter is a long one, so I need anything fun to help me make it through.  But last year I hosted Christmas, so I created a hot chocolate bar for my guests...and it was a HIT!

Here's where I got my inspiration...

Hot Chocolate Bar Idea 1

Look at those cute snowman from dukesandduchesses.com

They used red fruit roll ups to create the scarves, Hershey kisses for the hat and pretzels for the arms!  Add some eyes, nose and mouth with frosting from a tube.

Adorable!  Add some fun marshmallows and some crushed candy canes and people will think you are part elf!  

Hot Chocolate Bar Idea 2

Here lovefromtheoven.com shows you all the fun things you could use!  I say just copy it!

I love the way this can be set up and just left out for the season!  It is a great kitchen decoration and highly functional!  I have something very similar in my own home so that my family can just help themselves to a special, warm drink.

Hopefully you are now inspired to create your own hot chocolate bar!  You could even add some Baily's Irish Cream to make it an adult version or even some Kahlua?  When company comes, you could make the hot cocoa in mass and then leave it in a crock pot to stay warm.  Guests just ladle some out and add the toppings!!!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Upcycling Christmas

I have found some awesome ideas for upcycling at Christmas time!

Love being green!!!

Here's the first idea for wrapping paper...

I have my own reusable bags, but sometimes I forget them in my car (fancy that?), so I ask for paper bags...the greener thing to do, right?  Anyway, check those bags out!  Sometimes they have the most AMAZING seasonal art work on them!  I bet you never noticed that before, I sure didn't.  So when I saw these on line, my heart skipped a beat...Christmas can be upcycled!  These bags are actually from Trader Joe's, but I have seen other stores with holiday prints on their paper bags too.  Just tie on some ribbon or baker's twine and you have an adorable country home-spun look for your gifts.  No wrapping paper expense out of your budget..no sir!

blossomsandposies.com has a great idea for using old Christmas cards as new Christmas cards, gift tags or just holiday notes.  I have been doing this for years!!!  It is so fun to create something new out of something you would probably just throw away.  Check it out...

Christmas Recycled

You can use wrapping paper scraps or images from Christmas cards.  All you need is some card stock cards in a color of your choosing or some card stock cut into gift tag design, some glue and your creative spirit.  You will end up with your own custom designs...great for the kiddos too.

So look through what you have and don't throw it out at the end of this year's holiday so that you can upcycle Christmas!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine