Winter Wedding

Although I am a happily married woman, I still LOVE to look at wedding ideas. Here are a couple I stumbled upon on FB yesterday. Isn't this table simply to die for??? I love every single inch. Spectacular!

Thought the "I Do" was a cute addition to the cake table too.

Happy NYE to all!

1-And a Cocktail in a Pear Tree....

So the 12 days comes to an end with a delish drink for all you lovely followers! I have served this at many parties and it is always a HUGE hit. Better triple the batch for a crowd though, I always do!

Sangria

1 750ml dry red wine (a dry "box" wine works just fine!)

1 cup orange juice-I prefer pulp free

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup triple sec

Chill overnight.

Before serving add ice, orange, lime and lemon slices. I also like to put whole, fresh cranberries in around the holidays.

Cheers to all of you! Thanks so much for following The Gifted Life. I enjoy sharing my ideas with you. Have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!

2-Holiday Thank You Notes

Get a jump start on your holiday thank you notes by ordering them online today at http://www.vistaprint.com/ Click on holiday and then caricatures to create items like the above. Everything holiday is 50% off right now too!

3-Money Wreath

Tired of giving gift cards, but need a similar gift? Make a money wreath! My crafty husband created this one from a styrofoam wreath and U shaped pins. Just lightly fold $1 bills into bow tie shapes and stick into the wreath with the pins. We added floral picks to give it a festive holiday look. This wreath used $50, but you could easily do it with around $40 instead.

4-Candy Sushi

I think this idea is so fun! Great for entertaining kiddos at home on Christmas break this week too.

Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
4 cups mini marshmallows
6 cups crisped rice cereal
20 to 25 gummy worms
1 to 2 boxes of fruit leather (I think Fruit by the Foot would work, if that product still exists!)
12- by 17-inch baking sheet
2-quart saucepan

Instructions
Grease a 12- by 17-inch baking pan.

Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
Add the marshmallows and stir until smooth.

Remove mixture from heat and stir in the rice cereal until it's evenly coated.

Turn the baking sheet so that the shorter ends are at the top and bottom. Then press the marshmallow mixture on the sheet, distributing it evenly.

Starting at one side and 1 inch up from the lower edge, place gummy worms atop the mixture end to end in a horizontal line.

Gently roll the lower edge of the marshmallow mixture over the gummy worms.

Then stop and cut the log away from the rest of the mixture. Use the same method for 4 more logs.

Slice each log in 1-inch-thick "sushi" rolls and wrap them individually with a strip of fruit leather.


In one of the images above, you can see they have used powdered sugar doughnuts, cut in 1/2, placed a Swedish Fish on top, and then wrapped with the fruit leather.

5-Clementines and Peppermints

I am loving this idea from Real Simple. Mix clementines and peppermints in a glass jar or trifle bowl. Have small bags on hand for your holiday guests to create take home goodie bags.

At an all ages Christmas party, keep the kiddos entertained with this easy craft. Give each child three clementines, a sturdy plate, some toothpicks, and store bought frosting. Dollop frosting in the center of the plate and place a clementine in it. Stick a few toothpicks halfway into the top of the fruit and spear a smaller clementine on top. Repeat with the third clementine. Make a hat out of frosting, a vanilla wafer, and peppermints. Use candy cane pieces for arms and a nose, and cloves for the eyes. Finish by tying on a scarf of red licorice.

6-Wine Wrappings

We are headed over to a friend's house for dinner tonight and since those gift bags for giving wine are so boring, I decided to come up with some more creative options.

This first one is just a square of left over fabric cinched with a ribbon. Simple and festive!

This second one is a sleeve of wrapping paper that I folded the top edge under about 3 inches. I cut slits into the folded edge to create a frilly collar. Add a sparkly ribbon and this gift is good to go!

7-Stocking Stuffer Place Settings

I picked up these miniature stockings at Dollar Tree yesterday and think they are perfect utensil holders for our Christmas dinner place settings!

8-Merry Kissmas to all and to all a good night....

Here are two great holiday ideas involving Hershey's Kisses.

Need a last minute centerpiece idea for a Christmas party or your holiday table?

Try this one. It requires nothing more than a few martini glasses, silver taper candles, Hershey's Kisses and some greens plucked from the tree. You don't need a fancy fabric runner. Just use wrapping paper. There are so many different varieties of Kisses now, you can definitely find one to coordinate with your decor. (STL'ers metallic taper candles are on sale this week at Schnuck's!)

I have to give my husband credit for this next idea. He had these treats at work this week and then surprised me by making them last night! They make a perfect give-away treat to go along with the fudge recipe I shared earlier this week.

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 170F. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.
2. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.
3. Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

9-Super Easy Fudge

This seems like the week of Christmas parties to me! I attended one last night where my friend Anna served a very tasty fudge. We couldn't believe it when she told us how easy it was!


1 – 12 oz. bags chips (Use flavor you prefer: chocolate, peanut butter, white chocolate, mint chocolate..)
1 – 16 oz. containers of frosting (Whipped is good!)

Place chips in microwave safe bowl and microwave for one minute; stir; repeat-reducing time to 20 seconds & stirring. When melted, add frosting – stir together, microwave for 40-60 seconds, stir & repeat. Reduce time to 20 seconds and stir. Do this 2-3 times. If you want to mix in nuts, do it now before pouring in pan. Or you can place nuts on the top.

Pour into small square or rectangle pan (8 x 6 or 7 x 7; an 8 x 8 will make the fudge thin. You can double ingredients and put in 9 x 11 pan).

Let set on counter. Or you can chill in the refrigerator if you’re in a hurry for it to set. Cut into 1” squares.

* note on the pan size for the fudge...Anna used an 8 x 8, but she put something underneath one end to raise it up, so the fudge wouldn't set at that end. Her fudge covered an 8 x 6 area. There are small foil pans that you can buy that are the right size. Foil pans are perfect for giving fudge away in too!

Anna also recommended swirling the chocolate into the icing if she uses two different colors. Like say, Peanut Butter chips mixed with chocolate icing. You would need to heat them up in two separate containers, then pour & swirl them into your pan to set.

Yummy! And Easy!


(Coconut Pecan Frosting mixed with semi-sweet choc. chips taste like Mounds candy bars.)

Day 10-Cookies in a Jar

Need an easy gift for co-workers or your girlfriends? Try this recipe for Cookie Mix in a Jar.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Layer ingredients in a 1 quart jar in the order given below:

Flour (including salt, baking powder and salt), oats, brown sugar, white sugar, nuts and chocolate chips. Use a small spice jar to press all of the layers into the jar.

2. Include a recipe card with the following instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease cookie sheets.
• In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and teaspoon vanilla.
• Stir in the entire contents of the jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing!
• Shape into walnut sized balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
• Bake for 11-13 minues, and cool on wire tacks.

Tie a pretty ribbon around the jar and attached the recipe card. You could also attached a small ornament or candy cane.

11 days and lots of Christmas cards

I like to find creative ways to display Christmas cards around my house. Most cards are so pretty these days, it is nice to incorporate them into your holiday decor.

I really like this first one using ribbons, a door and a roll of double sided tape. I have also done this same technique on my kitchen cabinet doors to add a little cheer.

This next idea only requires a hole punch and some ribbon. Really "punches" up the bannister, don't ya think?!? You could also string one long ribbon along the bannister and attach cards with clothes pins for a different take on the below.

Grab a branch from outside, anchor in a vase or pitcher with rocks and create a tree of cards. Easily attach cards with ribbon or curtain clip rings. This would make an adorable centerpiece if done on a smaller scale. Get creative by spray painting branches in metallic silver or gold or even dusting with fake snow before adding cards.

12 days of Christmas

I am kicking off a 12 day Christmas blogging spree with lots of fun ideas to get you ready for the 25th in style and more importantly with your sanity still in tact.

Drumroll please.......here is idea #12:

Courtesy of Paula Deen's Christmas magazine from 2008, these ornament-turned-flower-vases are just too easy. Don't they look great staggered as a centerpiece above? How about putting one at each place setting? Heck, if I was hosting Christmas this year, I would put these baubles all around the house.... in the powder room, on my guest room nightstands, clustered with candles and greenery on my mantle. The possiblities are endless, especially because you can choose ornaments and flowers to match your holiday decor. Use silk flowers and/or berries if you want to go completely low maintenance. One trip to Hob Lob and you have this one in the bag, girls! Their circular mirrors are even on sale at 1/2 off this week. They were located next to the registers at my store. Use a little hot glue to attach the ornament to the mirror, then stand back and wait for complements from your friends and family!

Clever Cranberries

Goodness! It is hard to find time to blog during the holidays! Depressing too, since I have lots of fun and festive ideas to share.

Here are some pretty ones using cranberries from Better Homes and Gardens. Check out the link for instructions and more photos. http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/indoor-decorating/decorating-with-cranberries/?page=4

Who wants a shot?

A shot of dessert that is! I love the idea of having a small portion of dessert, instead of the entire serving. Much easier on the old waistline during the holiday season, that is for sure! These cute shot glasses are available on amazon.com, but you could make your own using glass votive holders from the Dollar Store. Fill them up with desserts you can layer in for a pretty effect.

Holiday Wishes

Treat your fingertips to a shimmery shine in a delicious new OPI shade, Pomegranate Me a Wish. At beauty brands for only $4.98 right now! (reg. $8.50)

I do love a good dip....

Here is a festive dip recipe for holiday gatherings. I took this to a board game party this weekend and it was a huge hit!

Layered Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Spread

Ingredients
1 pkg cream cheese, well chilled
3 Tbsp. finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, well drained
3 Tbsp. finely chopped drained canned artichoke hearts
2 Tbsp. pesto (I used the jarred kind)
2 Tbsp. chopped almonds
2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
Crackers

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DRAIN EVERYTHING AS LISTED ABOVE.

Cut cream cheese horizontally into 3 slices using dental floss or a piece of thread. Place one slice on large sheet of plastic wrap; top with tomatoes and second cream cheese slice.

Combine artichokes and pesto; spoon over second cream cheese layer.

Top with remaining cheese slice, nuts and parsley; press lightly to secure. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour. Serve with crackers.

Pilgrim Hat Cookies

This time of year is so hectic, make an easy Thanksgiving dessert and save yourself some time. Everyone in our family is usually too stuffed to eat much dessert anyway!

INGREDIENTS

• 16 chocolate wafer cookies (such as Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers)
• 1 tube orange frosting with piping tips
• 16 small peanut butter cups

PREPARATION

1. Place cookies on work surface; squeeze a dime-size dot of frosting in center of each.

2. Unwrap and invert peanut butter cups on frosting, pressing down gently.

3. Using the round piping tip, pipe a "hat-band" with frosting around peanut butter cup and a square "buckle." Let frosting set before storing.

Planning Tip: Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Hot Apple Cider

If you are looking for something to take to a Halloween party this weekend, I have just the thing.

My friend April served this hot apple cider last weekend, and I just couldn't get enough.

Combine Target-brand caramel apple cider (although I am sure regular apple cider would work just fine too) with 1/2 a bottle of Hot Damn cinnamon schnapps and a few cinnamon sticks. Mull over low heat (a crockpot works great) and serve steaming in mugs!

If you want to fancy this drink up a little you could add an orange studded with whole cloves to the mulling. I am thinking I can handle more of this cold, rainy weather as long as I have plenty of this drink on hand!

Bean There

Here is an easy transition centerpiece from Halloween to Thanksgiving from Everyday with Rachael Ray. Pick up a bag of lentils and grab some juice glasses, filling each about 1/2 full. Nestle orange votive candles inside and tie it all together with raffia from the craft store.

A-dorable!

That is what I think of these Halloween furniture leg covers from Pier 1.
Just slip them over the legs on your table or chair for a Halloween treat.

We promise you and your guests will get a kick out of them.

http://www.pier1.com/

Spooky Halloween Ideas

I have been having so much fun getting ready for Halloween this year and incorporating lots of spooky ideas into my decor. I just had to share a few!

Let's start with the front door...I am not really one for carving pumpkins, since they just don't last. Instead use simple black stickers to spell out some fun Halloween sayings. Then take cuttings of ribbon in black and white to "dress" up a traditional orange pumpkin. Stick ribbon ends into pumpkin with straight pins. Faster and much less messy than carving!

Moving on into the living room....guests are greeted by a glowing ghost above our corner fireplace. A paper lantern is the perfect shape for this ghost. Cut a slit in some semi-sheer white fabric or an old sheet to allow the lantern cord to poke through. Add haunting eyes and a mouth cut from black felt.

Finally in the dining room, our sidebar features an adorable sign that reads, "Eat, Drink and Be Scary." This is fitting, considering the shiny bats on the tablecloth and the black sparkly skulls in my apothecary jar. A few cobwebs add a finishing touch. Happy Haunting!!

SATC moment....

I definitely had a Carrie Bradshaw moment on Sunday when I finished putting all of my jewelry onto my new organizer. I just know she would approve of this wonderful addition to my life. I can't believe how much it holds! Thanks to mom and dad for the fantastic early b-day present. Get your own at http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg.asp?G=718&P=302&Rec=1&Ntt=jewelry+organizer&N=37&Nao=0&R=463389-7J4O---1

This piece complements my already organized shoe and belt collection. Gotta love Container Store....check out these great and affordable items and makeover your closet for Fall today! www.thecontainerstore.com

Witches Fingers

"Witches' Fingers" are without a doubt the hottest food item this Halloween. You can find the recipes in almost any book or magazine.

Here is a recipe for these fun treats that is sweet....

• 1 package of peanut butter refrigerated cookie dough (nothing with chips or chunks in it)
• 1/4 cup of peanuts
• Chocolate syrup or chocolate icing

Cut the cookie dough just as you would to make round cookies, then cut the cookie circle in half. Form a long cylinder with your fingers or roll the dough between the palm of your hands to form something that looks like a fat snake or worm (great task for kids!). Arrange the cookies on a cookie sheet and if you wish, create indentations where the knuckles are. Bake according to package directions.

The cookies will flatten as they bake, turning out looking as if something ran over them on the road. Once the cookies are ready and have cooled, make the gnarly fingernail by taking half a peanut and adhering it to the tip of the cookie with chocolate syrup or chocolate icing. That's it, you're done!

And here is a savory one...

Ingredients

1 can (11 ounces) refrigerated breadstick dough

12 sun-dried tomatoes, cut in half crosswise or 12 jumbo pitted ripe olives, halved lengthwise

2 tablespoons olive oil

Dried basil or dill weed

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll breadstick dough; separate each strip and cut in half crosswise. Place on 2 ungreased baking sheets. Place tomato half about 1/8 inch from top of each strip and press down firmly; shape ends to round out tip of thumb.

2. Gently press down on dough with knife in 2 places to resemble knuckles. Brush breadsticks with 2 tablespoons olive oil; sprinkle with basil. Bake 10 minutes or until light golden brown.

3. Meanwhile, combine dipping sauce ingredients in 1-pint jar; cover and shake until well blended. Serve with Witches Fingers.

What will they think of next?

Check out this video. These are so fun! The Tigers should definitely have one of these machines at their games this fall!
http://www.flogos.net/index.html

Yummy Pumpkin

As a lover of Fall, I am inclined to also love pumpkins and all things made from them.
Here are 2 of my favorite recipes for this time of year.

This first one sounds weird, but it is so delicious and creamy. Super easy too.

Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce

1 lb penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 cup heavy cream or half n half
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley

1. Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water in a separate bowl.
2. Melt the butter over medium-low heat in a sauce pan. Add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 min. Stir in the pumpkin and cream and bring to a boil. Stir pumpkin mixture into the pasta and add parmesan cheese and parsley.
Season with salt and pepper and top with lots more parmesan and parsley.



Pumpkin Bread

3 cups sugar
1 cup butter (melted)
4 eggs
2/3 cups water
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp nutmeg
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup walnut chips

Mix well (really well) and pour into greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Warning: This makes a HUGE batch of bread. It is best to have disposable loaf pans on hand for the extra, or simply cut recipe in 1/2. I never do that though, because it freezes so well! You will love the crispy crust this bread develops while baking.

Murder Mystery Party

Last Halloween, we had a "killer" bash for my birthday! We hosted a Murder Mystery party where each of our guests played a character in the mystery. Everyone completely got into their roles and came dressed in character, including props! My dear husband emailed the guests their roles and backgrounds a couple of weeks prior to the party, so everyone could prepare accordingly. Best of all, it was all kept a secret from me, so I could play along all night. When everyone arrived for the party, Sherlock Holmes (AKA my hubs) gave everyone a brief synopsis of what had happened prior to their arrival, detailing out that the murder had already been committed. Each guest was then introduced as their character and a motive for the murder was announced for each. After much mingling, interrogating, snacking and drinking we gathered again and everyone shared the information they had gathered with the group. After a who-done-it vote from everyone, the murderer was finally revealed!
The tablescape for this party was super fun, as was the food.

Fun new website

Everyone must check out this super addicting website soon...
http://www.sporcle.com/
Features all kinds of fun quizzes like state capitals, sports team mascots, basically anything you can think of. A great way to kill time and relax a little!

Welcome Fall!

It's no secret, Fall is my most favorite time of year. I am already researching ideas!
Here are a few from Miss Martha.
Glass cylinder vases showcase colorful leaves for a modern centerpiece. Let your kiddos collect pretty leaves this fall then press until dried.Mini pumpkins take on an elegant feel when spray painted in gold metallic. These look adorable as placecards and can be take-home favors for your guests. Use paper mache pumpkins from the craft store and you won't have to worry about the pumpkins spoiling.

Another cute place card idea...maybe for the kids table? This one is so easy they could even do it themselves. Find instructions here: http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/thanksgiving-table-settings?&lpgStart=1&currentslide=5&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs
LOVE this one. Pressed leaves between a natural colored tablecloth and a sheer fabric overlay. So simple!
For a rustic tablescape, stamp a burlap runner with a leaf stamp and craft paint.

Another one of my favs, cylinder vases again, this time covered with autumn colored tissue paper creates a wonderful glow when candles are inserted.