Delightful December Day 9 - Reindeer Food

My boys love to put out a bowl of "reindeer food" each year on our front porch. When I was young my sister always wanted to leave out a carrot for Rudolph who was her favorite.

One of the boys brought home a cute bag 

they made in class a few years ago

and we've kept reindeer food tradition ever since.

Here is the canister we keep on our counter until the big night.

I found a few cute recipes and crafts that would be

fun as gifts or just for your own kiddos.

The basic recipe consists of rolled oats and maybe some colored sprinkles or sugar for sparkle. 

Some recipes call for glitter to add a little "magic," but we've found 

that the sugar works just as well and the reindeer prefer the taste!

There are many options for packaging if 

you are going to give these as gifts.

A simple ziploc or cellophane bag with a tag, 

sticker, or cardstock toppers

would be simple and cute! I've also seen jars, test tubes, cans.

       

Whimsie Doodles has a really cute FREE printable 

and packaging idea on her site!

Tip Junkie has SO many fun free printables,

(I might have to share a few others in the next few days)  

including two for reindeer food!

I also love the design that Rainy Day Story shared on their page!

Visit the site for more fun pictures and a recipe!

 

Hoosier Homemade shares a recipe that I will definitely be trying, and it sounds so yummy it might not all go to the reindeer! How cute is this homemade reindeer bucket for serving?!

Time to share...Do you leave out treats for Santa's reindeer?

Delightful December Day 8 - Nativity Scenes

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”  Luke 2:10

I love nativity scenes. What better way to remember what this season is all about than to decorate your home with the manger scene of Jesus’ birth. There are so many fun decorative options out there. We still have the standard porcelain set, but I also have a few others throughout the house. 

One of my favorites is this snowman scene that my mom gave me from Frosty Follies.

I purchased this simple wooden set decorated in scrap cloth at a craft show several years ago. It seems like it would be pretty easy to replicate with only wood, paint and fabric.

I have always wanted an outdoor scene for my front yard. My husband may never have the time to make one, so I found a great site that sells them called Nativitysceneoutdoor.com. They are easy to store and I love the simple design!

One more for my wish list is this beautiful candle set from Dayspring!

Here’s a fun activity to do with your kids! The printable from Lacy at Catholic Icing is free and they can make their very own nativity for their room!

Another fun option for the kids are the Fisher Price and Veggie Tales versions. I also found these sweet nativity blocks from Made4munchkins on Etsy!

I hope to add this one from Christianbooks.com to my collection someday.  It has the Christmas story inscribed on the back of each pillar and a unique design that can be arranged in many ways. 

If you’re feeling crafty, here is a pretty simple and thrifty project to try! With just a few supplies you can make your own nativity and choose colors to match your decor. Get the instructions HERE from Jessica at Craftily Ever After!

Time to share...Do you have a favorite nativity scene or nativity craft idea?

Delightful December Day 7 - Truffles!

I must be hungry, we're staying on the food topic for one more day!

One of my favorite holiday treats has got to be truffles. Just a decadent little bite of chocolate does the trick! They also make an easy gift that can be creatively packaged for anyone on your list.

I received a box of these Oreo Truffles from a friend and instantly fell in love. I was so surprised to find out the recipe was so easy. Healthy…no, but easy and delish!

Easy Oreo Truffles

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions

1.     Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.

2.     Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.

3.     Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

How to How to Easily Dip Truffles

• Place truffle ball in melted chocolate to coat; roll if necessary. Lift truffle from chocolate using 2 forks (this will allow excess chocolate to run off) before placing on wax paper.

This simple chocolate recipe can be rolled in your choice of toppings to create a nice variety of this sweet treat!

Easy Chocolate Truffles

• 3 cups (18 ounce bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Optional Coatings:

• Nonpareils like colored sprinkles or chocolate jimmies
• Cocoa powder
• Lightly toasted nuts (pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, etc.), finely chopped
• Flaked coconut

Directions:

Melt chips with sweetened condensed milk. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Pour into a bowl, cover and chill for a few hours or until firm. Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in choice of coating. You can also drizzle with chocolate or colored melted candy chips for a finishing touch. Store in refrigerator.

Now that you have your sweets all ready to go, they need proper packaging! 

For a professional look you can place them into mini muffin papers or bon bon cups and line them up inside a confectionery box. Chinese takeout boxes work well and come in many different sizes and colors. You can also find many fun Christmas tins at local craft stores. If you are doing more than one layer you can separate them with parchment or wax paper. Tie with a pretty bow and make someone’s day delightful!

Time to share...what is your favorite truffle flavor or topping?

Delightful December Day 6 - Fun Winter Snacks for Kids!

With the kids spending more time indoors I find them asking for snacks more often. Here are a few ideas for fun Winter themed snacks the kids can help with!

Snowflake Tortillas  

From FamilyCorner.com

flour tortillas (fresh so they won't crumble)
scissors
powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
skillet


What You Do

Warm the tortillas in the microwave, just enough to make them pliable, about 10-15 seconds.

Carefully fold the tortillas into quarters.

Using scissors, cut snowflake shapes out of each tortilla, just like cutting a paper snowflake.

Heat vegetable oil in skillet on high until hot. Reduce heat to medium-high.

Fry tortilla until it is crispy. Adult supervision is needed when using hot oil.

Remove and place on paper towels to drain oil.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Serve warm. 

Thank you to FamilyCorner.com for this recipe! 

 Frosty the Bagel

FamilyFun shares this healthy snack made with a cream cheese covered bagel and some nicely placed veggies. You can get the kids involved to make their own frosty creation!

Cookie Cutter Fun

Food is always more fun when cut into a cute shape. Use your Christmas cookie cutters to turn their sandwiches, cheese, or even fruit into festive shapes like stars, bells, and candy canes!

Cut the bread into the gingerbread man and let the kids have fun with the toppings.  

Apple Cane

How about placing red apple slices on a plate in a candy cane shape with a few mini marshmallows for the white stripes!

Christmas Pancakes

Pour or cut your pancakes into Christmas tree shapes and top with some colorful berries!

Or try this fun Rudolph idea that Heather Mann shares on Make and Takes!

Santa Hat Topped Treats

I know many friends and family members with food allergies, so I can't wait to try this recipe for Coconut Milk cake from Wing-It Vegan! 

You could put the Santa hat toppers on just about anything from brownies to cookies! 

And since they're topped with butter cream frosting, here is a vegan recipe I had to share...

Ingredients:

1 cup soft vegan margarine (I've used Earth Balance)1 lb powdered sugar2 tsp vanilla3 Tbsp of almond milk
Cream all ingredients together until creamy and smooth.

Time to share...What is your favorite kid-friendly Winter themed snack?

Delightful December Day 5 - Gift Wrap!!!

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35


As we continue our month of giving, let's look at some fun ways to wrap those thoughtful gifts!


I ran across this idea that makes a chocolate bar even sweeter, who knew?! 
Kerry's Craft Blog has some of the cutest ideas, and I just love these little snowman candy wrappers!

You can find a free download for this adorable digital art from Laurie Furnell HERE! Add a few scraps of fleece, a bell, and you've got yourself one sweet gift!

For another adorable version try making these reindeer wrapped bars from According to Kelly!

While we're on the topic of sweets I wanted to share this great idea I found on Southern Living. I love giving the gift of cookies at Christmas, but how about the gift of cookie dough?! 

Make a log of your favorite dough, freeze it, and wrap it in the recipe with some festive ribbon. Your recipient can then take it out and bake it next time they need a batch of fresh cookies!


When it comes to gift wrapping let's think outside the box, or the paper, for a moment.

I can't wait to try this idea that Jenn Playford shared on Country Living. Make a visit to your local thrift store and pick up a shirt in a fun print and a pretty broach. Wrap your gift like so, and you've instantly got three gifts in one!






Another eco-friendly option is to use fabric like these furoshiki wrapping clothes at Tiger & Hare. I love the owl print! They share many of the folding styles (similar to origami) on their page, check it out!

I think this gift in a jar would make any friend feel special! I have been inspired by this idea at Inspire Me Crafts...another great teacher gift perhaps?!




  

You can make your own gift wrap paper out of so many things! 
- Sheet Music
- Comic Strips
- Maps
- Calendar pages
- Stamped brown paper
- Colorful plastic bags

And why accessorize with a boring ribbon when you can give a double gift by tying the box with a jump rope like this gift at Real Simple!

And don't spend a lot of money on gift tags when you can recycle all of those fun paint chip cards.
Love this one, another great idea from Real Simple!

How about making your own boxes?! I found some great templates at Planetpals.com using recycled cereal and food boxes. 


Want to disguise that special present? 

I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try this one...and iPad disguised in chocolate! Stefan Magdalinski wanted to make his gift that much more of a surprise.





I may not go that far, but how about wrapping a small gift inside a roll of toilet tissue or inside a hollowed out book?
I have often put gifts inside a bigger box with canned food or other heavy or noisy things to disguise the size or shape.

For the coffee lover in your life how fun is this disguised Starbucks gift card?! All you need is a clean cup, brown and white tissue paper, and a ribbon.
Thank to Little Cakes for this adorable idea! 







Time to get crafty and make your very own gift card snow globe with a little help from The Creative Mama! I know my kids would be fascinated by this fun idea.





Time to share...
What are some of your favorite gift wrapping tips?

Delightful December Day 4 - Homemade Gifts (Message Boards)

December is the month for giving! I love homemade gifts for a few reasons. One, they can be a pretty thrifty option. Two, they show that you put effort into the gift. Three, I love to craft so it's a great way to make cute things without filling my own home will all of them!

Today's homemade craft idea is message boards. We have a few of these around my house, they are used for everything from love notes to grocery lists. I love that you can put a personal touch on them when you make them yourself.


I love this idea from Michelle at Mish Mash to use a frame and decorate under the glass with scrapbook papers and embellishments! You could even change it out throughout the year, so fun!

Another take on the frame idea is shared here by Little Birdie Secrets! I love the menu idea and think one might have to make its way onto my kitchen wall soon!

I made this one as a craft with my MOPS group years ago. The kids love to write little notes to mommy and daddy since we have it in our room (that is why it is a little messy).
It is just a large smooth white tile that is decorated with paint pens. The back easel is made with a wallet sized acrylic frame that is glued (using E-6000 adhesive) to the back of the tile. 

I also love this idea for a teacher's gift, you can make the tile into a sheet of notebook paper! Find the tutorial here on Madigan Made.

I'd love to hear any message board ideas you have or who you'd like to make one of these cute crafts for!

Delightful December Day 3 - Snow Much Fun!

I asked my boys what their favorite thing about December is and Big T said "snow!" We live in Colorado so we usually get our share of the white stuff, the kids always have a blast!

Here are some of our favorite snow day activities...

Snow Ice Cream
Scoop some freshly fallen (white) snow into a big, chilled bowl. Add a little sugar, a few drops of vanilla extract, and some very cold milk or cream. Stir together and eat immediately.
Experiment with different flavors, try adding some cinnamon, cocoa powder, fruit, chocolate chips, or sprinkles!

There is another great recipe at My Home Sweet Home using tips from Paula Deen...yum!

Build a Snowman (or cat)

 

Of course, this is the obvious snow day activity

but how about making it a bit more fun with a "snowman kit."

I found a great tutorial on one at Make It Do and another on The Fickle Pickle! 

This would be a great gift idea!

 And who says it has to be a snow "man?!" Get creative!

Colorful Snow
I have always wanted to try the spray bottle full of water with food coloring or kool-aid activity. With three rowdy boys have been afraid that the spray will not stay on the snow and will turn into a colorful spray bottle fight and end up on the kids or my house! Let me know if you've tried this one, I might get brave this year!

Sledding
We have some great sledding hills in our area, but the best was when Papa shoveled all the snow from the roof onto a huge pile in his backyard!

If you take your kids out sledding make sure to stay warm and stay safe. Please, never ride or put your child on a sled that's being pulled by a car, truck, or snowmobile!

Time to share...what are your favorite snow day activities?