Candy Cane Garland

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So easy and adorable! Here’s how to make it!

You’ll Need:

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and place candy canes on top. Make sure they're not touching. Heat them in the oven for four minutes. Let them candy cool until you are able to handle it about 30 seconds. Then form the canes into circles.

If they start to crack or break, they are getting cold. Just put them in the oven for another minute and continue. 

DIY Holiday Snowglobe

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  • binder clips

  • gift cards

  • hot glue gun and glue

  • faux snowflakes

  • cotton or poly filling

  • miniature holiday related figures, ornaments, matchbox cars etc.

  • any ribbon, twine or embellishments for the outside of lid

Directions

  1. Start by gluing a binder clip with gift card to the bottom of a jar (make sure you choose jars wide enough to fit a gift card inside).

2. Place a small amount of cotton and faux snow to hide the bottom of the binder clip.

3. Add any ornaments or bottle brush trees to make a winter scene.

4. Close jar and tie with ribbon or baker’s twine to embellish.

And here is another version!

To make a water snow globe:

  • Glue waterproof items (like toys or laminated photos) to the underside of a jar lid

  • Fill the jar with distilled water and a few drops of glycerin (for slow-falling snow)

  • Add glitter

  • Then seal the lid tightly (adding glue for permanence) and flip to shake and enjoy.

5+ Ways to Regift Without Looking Cheap

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So How Can We Regift Without Looking Cheap?

1. Make sure the item is not used

Gifts should be unused, in their original packaging. Lightly used may be acceptable in some situations, but it’s not ideal.

2. Not sentimental

If someone made you a homemade gift or knitted you a scarf, it is probably not going to be good for regifting.

3. Make sure it’s not personalized

If your name or initials are anywhere on the book or piece of jewelry, do not regift it. If you are caught, it would be very embarassing.

4. The recipient will like it

Instead of pulling out anything just to have a gift, make sure the recipient will actually like it.

5. Consider the original giver

Be sure the regifted gift doesn’t end up someplace where the original giver will see it — or worse, accidentally given back to the original giver as a re-gift.

6. Rewrap the gift

Do not just take off the label and slap on a new label. Actually rewrap or rebox it for the new recipient. And be sure there is no leftover tape stuck to the package from the original giver. This has happened to me and the person is then caught red-handed regifting.

7. And do not announce it’s a regift

This has happened to me and it’s very embarrassing. You don’t need to announce to anyone that you’re regifting (in fact, don’t), but at the same time don’t feel weird about it either. If you’ve followed all the other rules you’ve given someone something they’ll cherish more than you would have.

Aromatic Simmer Pots

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How to Make a Simmer Pot

  1. Gather ingredients: Select a combination of fruits, spices, and herbs (ideas below).

  2. Add water and ingredients to a pot: Fill a pot or a Dutch oven about halfway to three-quarters full with water. Add your chosen aromatic ingredients.

  3. Simmer gently: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. The warm, fragrant steam will naturally scent your home.

  4. Monitor and refill: Keep an eye on the water level and add more water as needed to prevent the pot from drying out. Never leave a simmering pot unattended.

  5. Reuse or discard: The mixture can often be cooled, covered, and stored in the refrigerator for a few days of repeated use. Once the scent is gone, compost or discard the ingredients. 

Aromatic Ingredient Ideas

You can mix and match ingredients based on your preference and what you have on hand. 

  • Citrus Fruits: Sliced oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits (use the peels or whole slices).

  • Spices: Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, nutmeg, cardamom pods, or allspice berries.

  • Herbs: Fresh sprigs of rosemary, peppermint, thyme, bay leaves, or pine/cedar twigs.

  • Extracts/Oils: A dash of vanilla or almond extract, or a few drops of pure essential oils can enhance the aroma.

  • Other: Fresh or frozen cranberries, apple slices, ginger root, or coffee beans can add unique notes. 

Gift idea: Package the dry ingredients in mason jars with instruction cards attached for gorgeous, thoughtful gifts that cost almost nothing to make.

DIY Bath Bombs

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  • 1 cup baking soda

  • 1/2 cup of citric acid

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 1/2 cup of Epsom salt (optional)

  • 2 tsp. essential oil of your choice (we love eucalyptus, rose and lavender)

  • 2 tbsp. emollient oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil

  • A few drops of liquid food coloring

  • Decorative accents, such as orange peels or rose petals

  • bath bomb molds

  • Whisk

  • Two mixing bowls

How to Make a Bath Bomb

  1. Pour the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and Epsom salt (if using) into a bowl. Whisk the ingredients until fully combined.

  2. Pour the essential oil, emollient oil and food coloring into the other bowl. Mix the ingredients together until the food coloring is fully incorporated.

  3. Slowly pour the oil mixture (from step 2) into the dry ingredients (from step 1). When the oil is all in, keep whisking and add drops of water in between.

  4. If you decide to add decorative accents, like rose petals or orange peels, to your bath bombs, drop them into the bottom of the mold. Then, tightly mash your mixture into the molds.

Take note: When pressed in your hand, make sure the mixture clumps together. It shouldn't be too wet and should be able to keep its shape. Mix quickly as the water will make your blend fizz.

5. Leave your bath bombs in the molds for two to four hours before removal. Now you're ready to admire your new creations as they fizz away in your tub!

10+ Holiday Ingredients To Stock Up on Now

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The holidays require a lot of prep! Here are some of what I stock up on:

  • eggs

  • fresh cranberries

  • nuts

  • canned pie fillings

  • flour

  • sugar

  • butter

  • various spices

  • broths

  • canned vegetables

  • dried pasta

  • rice

  • canned fruit

  • baking chocolate

  • coffee

  • tea

  • wine

  • various kinds of cheese

  • Baking essentials: Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, butter, chocolate chips, vanilla extract

  • Canned goods: Cranberry sauce, canned fruit (like peaches or pears), canned vegetables (like green beans or corn), tomato sauce, tomato paste

  • Protein sources: Turkey or ham (if planning a large meal), canned tuna, chicken breasts

  • Spices and seasonings: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper

  • Beverages: Coffee, tea, wine, sparkling water

  • Other staples: Nuts, dried fruit, pasta, rice, olive oil, broth

  • Apple Pie Spice — perfect for pies and more

  • Peppermint — Extract, Candy, Candy Canes

  • Cream of Tartar — it’s best to buy fresh each year for the best-tasting meringues

  • Nuts — walnuts and pecans are typically used in holiday baking

  • Almond Bark — great for candy-making

  • Food Coloring — red, green, holiday colors

  • Pumpkin Pie Spice — a must-have at holiday time

  • Sprinkles — these are a must-have in every pantry

  • Extracts — Vanilla, Almond and Peppermint

  • Lollipop Sticks — great for cupcake toppers as well as candy-making

  • Recycled Containers — Save your containers to store cookies, etc.

  • Foil Bread Pans — I love the mini bread pans for gift giving

  • Take-out Boxes — Perfect for gift-giving or sending home leftovers with guests

  • Glass Jars — Great for giving hot cocoa mix, teas etc.

  • Plastic Treat Bags — Perfect for school treats

DIY Banana Bread in a Jar

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You will need:

8 oz Ball Jars

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 overripe bananas, mashed

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or nuts

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease the inside of the jars with butter or non-stick spray, and place them on a sheet pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter. Mix in the eggs, mashed bananas, and add the vanilla extract and sour cream.

3. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl, and mix until everything is combined. Fold in any add-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.

4. Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to transfer batter to each jar, filling each one halfway. If there are spills, simply wipe the tops of jars clean.

5. Place the sheet pan with jars in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6. While the jars are in the oven, boil the rings and lids in water on the stove for about five minutes and then let them cool and dry.

7. Remove the jars from the oven after baking and secure the sterilized rings and lids tightly on the jars while they're still hot. While the jars cool, you'll hear popping sounds as they "seal". Cool to room temperature, gift them, and/or enjoy at home!

DIY Holiday Potpourri

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Equipment

  • 1 small sauce pan

Ingredients

  • 1 whole orange or orange peel

  • ½ cup cranberries

  • 1 tbs whole cloves

  • 3 sticks of cinnamon

Instructions

  • Quarter the orange and add to a small saucepan (or just use the orange peel).

  • Add cranberries, cloves and cinnamon sticks.

  • Fill pan with water and and allow to reach a boil and then reduce to lowest burner setting.

  • As the potpourri simmers, add water as necessary.

You will also need:

mason jars

Print the tag here!