December 18, 2011

Delicious Ideas for Christmas Leftovers

I am always looking for ways to cut down on my grocery budget and using leftovers is a HUGE step to saving money.  BHG has shared some really amazing recipes.   

 

holiday leftover ideas holiday leftover ideas 3

http://http://www.bhg.com/christmas/recipes/ideas-for-christmas-leftovers/#page=1

Prime Rib

prime rib

This is one of our favorite Holiday Traditions.  (I love fixing a great meal for the kids.)

 http://http://www.bhg.com/recipe/beef/herbed-prime-rib-with-two-sauces/

Beautiful Quilted Snowflake Ornament DIY

This is so pretty!

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/make-a-quilled-snowflake/

30 Blissful Brownie Recipes from BHG

Better Homes and Gardens has 30 ‘to-die-for’ recipes.  Go take a look, I’m sure you will find several that your family will love.

Perfect for Christmas Treats to give to the neighbors too!

  brownies 2 brownies brownies 4 brownies 3

December 16, 2011

T-Shirt Scarf!

I just happened to come across this idea while browsing around and I LOVE IT! What a great idea and what an amazing idea for gifts!

December 12, 2011

Coffee Filter Christmas Trees

I am in the process of making ‘disposable’  Christmas ornaments for Mom.  She hasn't been feeling well and as a result her Christmas decorations consist of one poinsettia plant sitting on her kitchen table.  I decided to send her a care package with a few decorations that she can set up easily and then just toss in the trash once Christmas is over.    I knew that I could come up with something using coffee filters – so this is what happened……..

 

     coffee filterscoffee filter tree progress 2 coffee filter tree progresscoffee filter skinny treecoffee filter trees

First I made a cone shape using cardstock (the inside is patterned in a puppy theme but no one will ever know).

Next I cut the center out of the coffee filters (cutting MANY filters at one time).

I used a little white craft glue to adhere the coffee filter ‘ruffles’ to the cone, starting at the bottom and working my way up to the top.  (clear tape gets the job done as well)

That's it, that's all it takes.  I have had more compliments are these darn little trees!  Geesh…. Who knew.

 

*If you gather the coffee filters as you glue your tree will turn out quite full.  I chose to do different types (due to my love of ‘scraggly’ Christmas Trees.)

*You can also vary the height and width of your trees simply by how tight you roll the cone shape.  You can also create more height by using a plastic cup under your cone.  I used a couple of McDonalds Iced Coffee cups and they worked out really well.  I also stacked one cone on top of the other to create a tall skinny tree.

 

*Once my trees were done, I took them outside and gave them a little spritz of gold glitter then I topped each tree with a little inexpensive gold glitter star that I picked up at the local dollar store.  (the glitter spray made the trees look a little dirty and I was so disappointed, however once they dried all you could see was a glimmer of glitter here and there.  Whew.)

 

*Typically I would only use three trees however, I love how each of them have their own unique style and personality so Mom’s gong to get 4 coffee filter trees!  Woot-woot.

Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes!

Oh my gosh my daughter found this recipe on Pinterest and I just HAD to post it here.
IT LOOKS AMAZING - and I cant wait to try it this weekend!

Chiffon Hair Flower DIY

I have made oodles of these beautiful flowers for all types of uses, hair bows, gift/package bows, wristlet or bracelet bows, you name it, I've used them on it.
I just came across this easy DIY at Project Wedding and though I'd share it will everyone.

I've looked on several different sites where they sell these types of flowers and the average price is around $70! Ouch! They are beautiful but not $70 worth of beautiful especially when they take only a couple of minutes to make them on your own.

http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-gorgeous-chiffon-and-tulle-flowers

December 9, 2011

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride in Midway

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride in picturesque Midway..... PERFECTION.
I love the Homestead and this offer is just amazing - $37 bucks for a 30 minute ride for two.
If this doesn't get you in the Christmas mood, nothing will.

December 8, 2011

GoJane

I found a new website that sells really great stuff for REALLY great prices. Go check it out!

This darling pair of boots are only $32.95 - sweet!

Twist and Pout Lip Moisturizer

The HauteLook has these adorable little lip moisturizer pods that are to die for. I have to get them for stocking stuffers (and maybe one or two for me as well.)

Rotisserie Chicken in a Slow Cooker

I came across a recipe for Rotisserie Chicken that you make in a slow cooker... Oh come on how amazing! I LOVE to use rotisserie chicken in chicken salad and chicken soup - its the best, and now I don't have to go buy one at Albertsons. I started my chicken around 9am so the house is going to smell so yummy when the kids come home from school and I'll tell them that I've been slaving away over a hot oven all day long just to make them their favorite rotisserie chicken... hehehe ;) For the rub I mixed, garlic, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. I 'rubbed' the rub into the chicken using a big spoon rather than my hands because honestly that just grosses me out.
I plopped the chicken in the crock pot and set it on high. I will let it cook on high for 2 hours then turn it down to low. It will be ready to eat by around 4pm when everyone gets back home. Its an early dinner but when they come home hungry I want them to eat something good and theres going to be lots of leftovers for later. Yum.

December 7, 2011

Stocking Stuffer from Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown has some really great little palettes on sale, perfect for stocking stuffers.
GREAT idea!

Chocolate Chunk Hot Cocoa Mix (BHG)

You are going to be so popular when you start handing out little jars of this amazing Chocolate Chunk Hot Cocoa Mix!
Yummerzzzzz!
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
8oz chopped semisweet chocolate
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the cocoa, sugar, and chocolate. Store in an airtight container.
Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 months.
Include instructions: In a small saucepan, whisk 1/4 cup cocoa mix with 3/4 cup milk. Bring to a bare simmer.
Serves 1.

December 6, 2011

Coffee Filter Wreath

Oh so fun and easy, this is right up my alley. It fits perfect with my 'White Christmas' theme this year. I cant wait to start on it!
Woot-woot, thanks Lowe's.

December 5, 2011

December 4, 2011

Sweater Stockings

What a great way to create a cohesive set of Christmas Stockings.
You can make different colors, styles and sizes and yet they still all 'match'.
I love this!
Thanks Martha

Find instructions here:

http://www.marthastewart.com/273391/sweater-stocking?czone=holiday/workshop-christmas/workshop-christmas-stock

December 3, 2011

Roast Tomato and Basil Soup

Roast Tomato and Basil Soup
(Ya, I think I'll call it Tomatil Soup)
I just came across this on Simply Delicious and I CANT WAIT to try it.
Yummerzzzz!

Grab the recipe here: http://simply-delicious.co.za/2011/05/16/roast-tomato-basil-soup/

iScarf (DIY)

iScarf.
Seriously.
How cute is this?

Quick and easy, 2 of my favorite things.

Instructions here:

http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/iscarf-953371/

Cupcake in a Mug (for one)

Perfect little gift for a neighbor, teacher or that sweet little lady who lives down the street!
A Cupcake in a Mug
Darling right!

Check out the simple instructions here....

December 2, 2011

GREAT Christmas Gift Idea from Sephora

Sephora Favorites
Here's the scoop: This set of 12 fragrance samples includes a voucher for a full-size bottle. She can try them all, choose a fave and then take the included voucher to Sephora and go home with a new full-size bottle of her favorite perfume.
You just cant beat that.
This idea is PERFECT!
ALL FOR JUST $50 BUCKS
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=EO1R2LEEGO0JUCV0KSIAQAQ?id=P299443&categoryId=C7010

DIY Woven Star Tutorialhttp://houserevivals.blogspot.com/2010/11/make-woven-star-from-vintage-book-pages.html

I came across this on Pinterest and I love it. I cant wait to give it a try... I think I'm going to turn it into some sort of tree topper, lets see how I do.

Chase Hansen - Gatorade Player of the Year!

Chase Hansen earns Gatorade
Player of the Year Honor
(Utah Daily Herlad)
SO proud of our Chaser-man. This article (and award) are spot on. Chase is exceptional in every capacity, he's a natural leader and his future is packed full of amazing achievements and I cant wait to watch it unfold!

GREAT job Lone Peak Knights - Thank you for the awesome season - UNDEFEATED!

WE LOVE YOU CHASE!

December 1, 2011

Chicken Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

Elegant Tub Teas

Tub Teas are perfect for that 'hard to buy for' person in your life and since they are homemade, it shows how much you care.
(Martha Stewart strikes again)

How to Make a T-Shirt Bag

No-Sew Tote Bag

I am on a mission to find new and unique Christmas gifts and I cant
believe what I have discovered.
Now, come on.... How cute is this bag!
The possibilities are endless.

And yes, its from Martha, again.

http://www.marthastewart.com/268380/no-sew-tote-bags?czone=holiday/santas-workshop/santas-handmade-gifts

Bath Snowballs Make Great Christmas Gifts

These are so cute and simple to make.
I plan to make and use them as Christmas decor in my bathroom. (Thanks again Martha)

Marthas Lighted Pinecone Arrangement

Found this on Martha and of course LOVED it, especially since I'm on a pinecone kick.
I am definitely going to give this a go.....

November 30, 2011

Sugar Flower Cake Toppers

2 more sugar flower cake toppers....
(tulips, baby calla lilies, garden roses, stephanotis and fillers)

Christmas Advent

Its complete -Just in the 'Nick' of time....
This years Christmas Advent.
I found this giant black frame at the local goodwill store for $2 .... even better, it was a set so I have two of them. When I bought them I didn't know exactly what I was going to do but then came the 'ah-ha' moment..... Advent Calendar!

I simply covered the board in Christmas wrapping paper, added little hooks (found sticky hooks sold to be used with Christmas lights) at Walgreens for $3 bucks and then I placed an ornament on each hook.

That's it. So easy and sooooo cute. (sorry for the picture quality, or lack thereof. When I went to power up the camera, guess what.... it wouldn't power up. Dang.)

3-D Christmas Cookie Cutters

How Sweeeeeeeeeeet are these?
What a fun little twist on the Holiday cookie.
Cookie Cutters Kit available online at Better Homes and Gardens.

Christmas Card Pinecone

Yet another darling DIY ornament idea from Better Homes and Gardens.

November 29, 2011

JunkMarket Costume Jewelry Christmas Tree

I saw this on JunkMarket and I had to share,Its so cute and I see so many possibilities.
Thanks for the inspiration ya'll!

http://www.junkmarketstyle.com/item/20233/costume-jewelry-christmas-tree-centerpiece

Frozen Banana Bites

AKA... HEAVEN!
This is a must.

Thank you (neverhome)maker!

Chain and Ribbon Bracelet DIY

I found this project on MSN and just LOVED the look.
Its super easy and inexpensive to create.
(They used a dog leash in the picture below! Yup, that's right, a dog leash.)

You will need :

29" small link chain. The original instructions on MSN used a dog leash cut down to size, however you can find chain at the craft store or walmart in the beading aisle or go to a hardware or home improvement store and they will cut you exactly the length you need.

1 1/2 yards of 1/2" wide ribbon or flat seam binding

Embroidery or craft needle with a large eye (large enough for the ribbon to pass through the eye) Masking tape Instructions: 1. Thread your ribbon through the needle, and use a piece of masking tape to hold the end of the ribbon in place on the surface where you're working. Make sure to work on a surface that wont be damaged when you peel the tape away. (We used the kitchen counter top.) Begin lacing the ribbon back and forth through the chain links, leaving a 12" length of ribbon at the end where you started. (This will become one of the ties for the bracelet.) 2. Continue lacing the ribbon through the entire chain, smoothing the links with your hands as you go so that the ribbon and chain stay nice and flat. 3. When you're done, loop the end of the ribbon back through the last link and knot it. Make a knot at the beginning of the bracelet in the same manner. Trim ties so they are both approximately 8" long. 4. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist a few times and tie the ends together in a bow. *You can also use different types of closures found in the beading area of your craft store. Lobster claw and toggles work great and look darling. * Try different lengths of chain - You can have just one simple strand or wrap it around twice or three times. Lots and LOTS of options with this project. *You can use fun fuzzy fibers too. Try using it with a ribbon or use several fibers all at once. *BLING! Add a charm or bead to the clasp to bling it up a bit.