Baby Yoda Cookies

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Just use an angel cookie cutter, trim off the top and there it is- Baby Yoda! Use brown and green icing to decorate.
Here's the sugar cookie recipe: 

    1 1/2 cups butter, softened 

    2 cups white sugar 

    4 eggs 

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

    5 cups all-purpose flour 

    2 teaspoons baking powder 

    1 teaspoon salt 


In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.    Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely. 


Icing Recipe: 
In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of the milk. Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time.


First, I doubled the recipe and mixed everything in my Kitchen Aid mixer. My grandma mixed most of her cookies with a spoon, the old-school way. 

Then I wrapped everything in wax paper to chill for a few hours. Then get out your angel cookie cutters and start cutting out.

Photo Source Unknown

20+ Crayola Holiday Printables

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Cookie Cutter Fudge

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This wonderful idea is from Craftymorning. All you need are plastic cookie cutters, Target regularly has these on sale or clearance, especially around Thanksgiving. Here is how to make this fun gift idea from Bettycrocker.com:

Ingredients

1 1/2
 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1
 cup peanut butter chips
1
 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2
 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened SAVE $
1
 teaspoon vanilla
Betty Crocker™ white or red decorator icing (in 4.25-ounce tube), if desired
Candies, if desired

Steps

  • 1
    Place each of six 3x1/2-inch mitten-shaped cookie cutters, or other cookie cutters in a simple shape, on 5-inch square of foil. Seal foil tightly around outside of each cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet. Lightly spray cookie cutters with cooking spray.
  • 2
    In 4-cup microwavable measuring cup, mix chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, milk and butter. Microwave uncovered on High 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips are almost melted. Stir in vanilla.
  • 3
    Pour mixture into cookie cutter molds, filling to tops of molds. Refrigerate uncovered about 2 hours or until firm. Decorate with icing and candies.
  • 4
    Carefully remove foil. Gently press fudge out of molds to serve.

100+ Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

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Here are 133 fun and affordable stocking stuffer ideas for everyone!

 

For the Little Kids: 

1. Playdoh
2. Bubble bath
3. Bathtub crayons
4. Pacifier
5. Cute socks
6. Baby/Tot photo book 
7. Dum Dum lollipops (not for the youngest kids!)
8. Bubbles
9. Character band-aids
10. Board book 
11. Character spoon and fork set
12. Character kids cup (Target “dollar spot” often has these)

For the Older Kids:

13. Noise maker (shakers, tambourine, maracas, whistle)
14. Mini box of sugar cereal
15. Stickers – especially scratch n’ sniff stickers 
16. Pez
17. Tape 
18. Chinese paper yo-yo 
19. Candy necklace
20. Stretchy bugs/critters 
21. Silly straws
22. Glow sticks
23. Astronaut Ice cream 
24. Lip gloss/lipstick
25. Mini nail polish 
26. Fruit snacks
27. McDonald’s gift card 
28. Matchbox cars
29. Slap bracelets
30. Kazoo
31. Crayola Model Magic packs
32. Lego or Playmobil mini figures
33. Food shaped erasers 
34. Glow in the dark stars and planets
35. Heat bags 
36. Dress up jewelry
37. Earrings
38. Travel game
39. Webkinz or other small stuffed animal
40. Fancy scissors
41. Silly socks
42. Box of crayons
43. Coloring Book
44. Silly putty
45. Can of silly string
46. Animal sponge capsules
47. Expandable t-shirt, towel or washcloth
48. Glue sticks
49. Markers
50. Watercolor paints
51. Origami paper
52. Disposable camera
53. Rearview spy glasses
54. Smencils-scented pencils

Teen Gifts:

55. Earbuds
56. USB Flash drive
57. iTunes gift card
58. Stretchy book covers
59. Diary with invisible ink pen
60. Cell phone cover
61. Embroidery thread for friendship bracelets
62. Beef jerky
63. Gift card to bowling alley or skating rink
64. Makeup
65. Funky pens
66. Gel pens and black paper
67. Perfume
68. Nail polish in funky colors
69. Manicure pen
70. Lanyard for keys
71. Keychain
72. Wallet

Mom Gifts:

73. Coffee shop gift card
74. Nail polish
75. Scented hand lotion
76. Scented hand sanitizer 
77. Camera memory card 
78. Costume jewelry (earrings)
79. Gift card for a pedicure 
80. Keychain charms of kids with initials 
81. Package of decorative buttons (for crafting)
82. Knitting needles or crochet hooks
83. Crochet or knitting pattern book
84. Fancy hand soaps (particularly from Bath & Body Works!)
85. Seeds
86. Scrapbooking ribbons, tags, embellishments, etc.
87. Fancy cupcake liners
88. Beaded bookmark
89. Fancy scissors
90. Scrapbook paper 
91. Gourmet coffee
92. Specialty tea
93. Ped Egg or pumice stone
94. Votive candles
95. Icing tips/bags
96. Mascara
97. Box of dollar store note cards
98. Chocolates

Dad Gifts:

99. Coffee shop gift card
100. Drill bits
101. Tool keyring 
102. Mini flashlight
103. Gift card to bowling alley
104. Wallet
105. Tape measure
106. USB flash drive
107. Picture hanging hardware 
108. Nails & screws
109. 3M hooks
110. Car charger for cell phone
111. Beef jerky
112. Car wash gift card
113. Golf tees
114. Golf balls
115. Pocket Farkle

Practical Gifts:

116. Barrettes / pony tail holders
117. Comb
118. Calculator
119. Book light
120. Pencil sharpener
121. Deodorant
122. Toothbrush
123. Kids toothpaste
124. Dental floss

For Anyone:

125. Favorite candy bar
126. Snack packages (cheese crackers, cookies, etc.)
127. Hand Sanitizer
128. Gum
129. Sudoku book
130. Christmas ornament 
131. Hand and foot warming packs 
132. Slipper socks
133. Hot chocolate packets

15+ Gift Ideas For Grandparents

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Here are some fun and thoughtful ideas for gifts for grandma, grandpa, or other senior relative. Many of these ideas I have given to my mom, dad and mother in law!

General Gift Ideas:

  1. Flowers – Especially in the middle of winter, flowers are a nice surprise.
  2. Homemade Cards – Drawings, cards, art projects are always a welcome gift for the grandparents. It is a creative way for kids to keep in touch with grandma and grandpa!
  3. iPad or Laptop - Speaking of keeping in touch, I find being able to contact far away family and friends with an iPad is amazing! We can Skype or Facetime on the iPad, along with email and chatting. These are two great options to help everyone stay in touch.
  4. Homemade Meal or Dessert – OR If you aren't up to cooking (or baking), consider sending Mrs. Field's cookies or Cheryl's. I've ordered from both for my family and they loved them!
  5. Gift Baskets- Put together a basket of your loved ones favorite treats. Whether it is beauty products, food, books or more, the ideas are endless!
  6. Dinner out – Enjoying a meal out is one of the most fun gifts you can give. Especially when someone is in a nursing home, getting out for a few hours is a nice treat.
  7. Thank You’s on Facebook – My son likes to send Nana little notes on Facebook, it's a nice way for them to keep in touch.
  8. Art Projects – Consider framing art work or making a scrapbook of your child's artwork.
  9. A Kindle-  Kindles can store so many books. This would be a perfect solution for a grandparent who wants all their books in one place, likes to travel or who would like the convenience of instant book delivery!
  10. Gift Cards – Gift cards are always appreciated, especially if they are a surprise! Ask what their favorite stores are, think Amazon, Target and more!
  11. Magazine Subscription – Just like me, Janet loves to read magazines. It's always fun to get a surprise magazine subscription in the mail. My mom loves magazines too.
  12. A Party – Don't forget all the milestone events coming up in your loved ones life, like birthdays and anniversaries. 
  13. CD’s or MP3 Player- Many of my elderly relatives love listening to music. An iPod would make a nice gift!
  14. Books- My Mom loves to read and sending her a few books is always a treat for her.
  15. Photo Collages – I've made several photo collages with a mix of old photos and newer ones. Photo books are also a nice gift. Two of my favorite sites include Shutterfly . 
  16. Eddie Bauer blanket. Cozy and soft, my mom loves fleece blankets. 

 

 

Hobbies and Fun:

Gift ideas can be personalized to focus on the person’s personal interests and hobbies such as:

  1. Stationery and stamp- My grandmother Esther loved to collect stamps. When she passed away 10 years ago, I inherited her stamp collection . I like going through it and remembering all the fun we had looking at the stamps.
  2. Supplies for knitting or crocheting- My mom loves knitting and sending her yarn and other supplies is always appreciated.
  3. Pet care supplies- Does your loved one love pets? Put together a box of pet care supplies, toys and more.
  4. Plants, herbs, or flowers- Last year for Mother’s Day, I sent my mom a rose bush. It was one of her favorite gifts because it will bloom every year!
  5. Bird feeders and food- My mom loves feeding the birds and sending her a birdwatcher’s book or bird seed is something she enjoys.

20+ Holiday Gifts for Teachers

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  1. Target Gift Card
  2. Amazon.com Gift Card
  3. Barnes and Noble Gift Card
  4. class gift
  5. spa gift card
  6. Christmas ornament (Hallmark is a good source)
  7. homemade card or craft made by the student
  8. baked goods – (May want to skip if you aren't aware of their tastes, food allergies, etc.)
  9. basket of gourmet coffees or gourmet teas
  10. note pads or thank you cards
  11. Decorate a 6 pack of root beer with brown pipe cleaners, craft eyes, and craft poms. Then print and attach this cute coordinating “We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Root Beer” FREE gift tag.
  12. bouquet of flowers
  13. bottle of wine or eggnog
  14. Williams Sonoma dish towel wrapped around their Winter Forest dish soap
  15. gift basket with bag of coffee, travel mug and a magazine 
  16. Gumball Tubes. Fill plastic tubes with colorful gumballs and other sweet treats as a afternoon pick me up. 
  17. Get a box of brownie mix along with an oven mitt and kitchen tools and attach all the items with a holiday bow and then print out and attach this Have a Sweet Holiday Gift Tag!
  18. Clay Heart Necklace. Spread the love by forming small hearts out of clay
  19. Teacher Supplies
  20. Teacup Candles
  21. Get a package of gingerbread cookie mix, white icing, and a gingerbread man cookie cutter and attach all the items with a holiday bow and then pair with this cute “Merry Christmas” gingerbread man gift tag.
  22. Chocolate Chip Cookies
  23. For the tea lover, place tea packets, honey, and a fresh lemon inside a large mug. For the coffee lover, place K-cups and mini flavored syrups in a large mug. For chocolate lovers, place hot chocolate, marshmallows, and chocolate candy inside the mug. Then attach this coordinating “Warmest Holiday Wishes” FREE gift tag.
  24. Festive Socks
  25. Heart Themed Jar
  26. Bucket of Sunshine

LEGO Advent Printable Calendar

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PRINTABLE LEGO ADVENT CALENDAR WITH BUILD IDEAS

PRINTABLE LEGO ADVENT CALENDAR – BLANK

Print your calendar, laminate and then make scratch off paint, it's super easy!

Mix paint and dish soap in a ratio of 2 parts paint to 1 part dish soap.

Stir paint until it is well mixed.

Cover the area that you’d like to be scratchable with packing tape.  You can either cover the whole area or just cover the part that you’re planning on painting.  

Cover your scratch-off areas with paint.

You’ll need about 3 coats of paint and the layers will make the paint more opaque.

Let each coat of paint dry and then add more layers.

OR Buy Scratch Off Labels here! 

Need LEGOs? Pick up the LEGO Classic Kit here!

Thanks SouthernSavers!

Holiday Gift Card Deals

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APPLEBEE’S

Through January 6th, 2019, whenever you buy a $50 Applebee’s eGift Card, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card (bonus card valid until 3/3/19). Go here for more details.

BAHAMA BREEZE

Through January 2nd, 2019, get $20 in bonus cards with every $50 Bahama Breeze gift card purchase. One $10 bonus card will be valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19, and the other $10 bonus card will be valid 2/1/19 – 3/31/19 (except for 2/14/19). Head herefor more details.

BARNES & NOBLE

Through November 19th, 2018, for every $75 in Barnes & Noble gift cards you purchase in a single transaction, you’ll receive a $10 eGift card (eGift card valid 12/26/18 – 3/1/19). 

BENIHANA

Through December 31st, 2018, buy $50 in Benihana gift cards, receive a $10 promotional card (promotional card valid 1/2/19 – 3/31/19). Head here for more details.

BJ’S RESTAURANT BREWHOUSE

Through January 1st, 2019, buy $50 in BJ’s gift cards, and receive a $10 bonus card AND 20% off VIP Card; or buy $100 in gift cards, receive a $25 bonus card AND 20% off VIP Card (bonus card and VIP card valid 1/1/19 – 2/13/19). Go here for more details.

BLAZE PIZZA

For a limited time, buy $25 in Blaze Pizza gift cards, get a free pizza pass (pizza pass valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Head here for more details.

 

BONEFISH GRILL

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $50 in Bonefish Grill gift cards you purchase, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 2/10/19). Go here for more information.

BUCCA DI BEPPO

Through December 31st, 2018, buy a $50 Bucca di Beppo gift card and receive a $10 Reward Card (valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Head here for more details.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

Through January 1st, 2019, buy $100 in California Pizza Kitchen gift cards and receive a $20 promotional card. Plus, buy your gift card before 11/21 and get an additional $10 bonus card, along with the $20 promotional card. Check out theirFacebook page for more details or go here to order.

 

CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL

Through December 31st, 2018, buy $50 in Carabba’s Italian Grill gift cards and receive a $10 promotional card (promo card valid 1/1/19 – 2/10/19). Head here for more details.

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

Typically during Black Friday, for every $25 Cheesecake Factory gift card purchased online (including either plastic gift cards or electronic gift cards), you’ll receive two FREE slices of Cheesecake or Layer Cake in the form of eSlice of Joy Cards. Keep in mind that there’s no info on this as of yet, but they will likely have this promotion available again this year. Stay tuned…

CHILI’S

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $50 Chili’s gift card purchased, you’ll receive a $10 holiday bonus card (bonus Card valid 1/1/19 – 2/6/19). Head here for more details.

CLAIM JUMPER

Through December 24th, 2017, buy a $50 Claim Jumper gift card, and receive a $10 reward card (reward card valid 1/1/19 – 5/31/19). Go here for more details.

 

DENNY’S

Through December 25th, 2018, for every $25 Denny’s gift card purchased, you’ll receive $50 worth of Denny’s coupons. Note that a $1.95 shipping and handling fee is applied to each order. Head here for more details.

DSW

Through December 26th, 2018, purchase $50, $100, or $150 in DSW gift cards and get a $5, $20, or $30 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/4/19-1/26/19). Go here for more details.

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD

For a limited time, buy $500 or more in Eddie V’s gift cards, and receive an elegant martini set along with an additional gift card worth 10% off your purchase. Head here for more details.

FIRST WATCH

Through December 31st, for every $100 gift card you purchase, receive $20 in bonus bucks (bonus bucks valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Check out their Facebook page for more details or go here to order.

FLEMING’S STEAKHOUSE

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $100 in Fleming’s gift card purchases you make, you’ll receive a $20 bonus card (valid 1/1/19 – 2/10/19)! Head here for more details.

FOGO DE CHÃO

Through December 31st, 2018, with every $150 in Fogo de Chão gift card purchases you make, you’ll receive a $25 bonus eCard (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 3/31/19)! Go here for more details.

IHOP

Now through December 31st, 2018, get a $5 bonus coupon with every $25 IHOP gift card purchase (bonus coupon valid through 1/31/19). Head here and scroll down for more details.

JAMBA JUICE

For a limited time, buy $25 in Jamba Juice gift cards, and get a $5 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Go herefor more details.

 

KROGER

Through December 10th, with every participating gift card purchase you make, you’ll receive 4x in Fuel Perks! Head herefor more details. Also, be sure to check your Kroger account for various gift card offers!

LANDRY’S, INC. RESTAURANTS

Through December 24th, 2018, buy a $50 Landry’s gift card and receive a free $10 rewards card, OR buy a $100 Landry’s gift card and receive a free $20 rewards card! Your reward card will be valid 1/1/19 – 5/31/19. Go here to order or to check out the terms and conditions for more details.

LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU ENTERPRISES

Through December 30th, 2018, receive a $25 bonus card for every $100 Lettuce Entertain You gift card purchased (bonus card valid 1/2/19 – 4/10/19). Head here for more details.

LOGAN’S STEAKHOUSE

Through December 31st, 2018, get a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased. Bonus cards are not valid in NC, SC, or Augusta, GA, and expire 2/13/2019 (they are not redeemable on the day issued). Go here for more details.

 

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

For a limited time, for every $25 Longhorn Steakhouse gift card purchased online, you’ll receive a $5 bonus gift card (bonus gift card valid 1/1/19-2/3/19 with purchase of two adult entrees). Head here for more details.

MARCUS THEATRES

Now through January 1st, 2019, get a free $5 Snack Cash with every $25 gift card purchase! Go here for more details.

MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT

Through the month of December, buy a $25 Menchie’s gift card in-store only, and receive a $5 Bonus Card while supplies last. Head here for more details.

MOOYAH

For a limited time, buy $25 in MOOYAH gift cards and get $5 off your food/drink purchase in the same transaction. Gohere and scroll down for more details.

MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE

Through December 24th, buy a $250 Morton’s gift card and receive a free $50 reward card! Your reward card will be valid 1/1/19 – 5/31/19. Head here for more details.

NOODLES & COMPANY

Through December 31st, 2018 buy a $25 Noodles & Company gift card, and receive a $5 bonus card (bonus card is valid through 1/15/19). Go here for more details.

O’CHARLEYS

Through November 22nd, 2018, for every $25 O’Charley’s gift cards you purchase in-store or online, you’ll receive a $5 reward card (reward card valid 1/1/19 – 2/13/19). You’ll also get a $5 off $10 purchase coupon. Head here for more details.

OLGA’S KITCHEN

For a limited time, buy a $100 gift card and get $30 in bonus bucks. Or, buy $25 gift card and get $5 bonus bucks. Go herefor more details.

 

OLIVE GARDEN

Through December 30th, 2018, for every $50 in Olive Garden gift cards you purchase, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/2/19 – 2/10/19). Head here for more details.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $50 in Outback Steakhouse gift cards you purchase, you’ll receive a $10 promotion card (promotion card valid 1/1/19 – 2/10/19). Go here for more details.

PANERA BREAD

Through December 31st, 2018 for every $50 in Panera Bread gift cards you purchase, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 1/22/19). Head here for more details.

P.F. CHANG’S

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $100 in P.F. Chang’s gift cards you purchase, you’ll receive a $20 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Go here for more details.

PORTILLO’S

For a limited time, purchase $50 worth of gift cards and receive a bonus $10 promotional card valid from Dec. 26th, 2018 – March 21st, 2019. The promotional card will be valid to redeem both online and in store. Go here for more details.

 

RED ROBIN

For a limited time, receive a $5 bonus buck reward for every $25 Red Robin gift card purchase (bonus buck rewards valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Head here for more details.

RED LOBSTER

For a limited time, spend $50 on Red Lobster gift cards, and get a $10 coupon to use in January (valid 1/1/19 – 1/31/19). Gohere for more details.

REGAL THEATRES

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $50 in Regal gift cards purchased at a participating location you will receive a $10 concessions bonus card (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Head here for more details.

ROY’S RESTAURANT

Through December 31st, 2018, buy $100 in Roy’s gift cards, and receive a $30 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 2/12/19). Go here for more details and go here to purchase a gift card.

 

RUBY TUESDAY

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $50 in Ruby Tuesday Gift Cards you buy in-store or online, you’ll receive a free $15 bonus card (bonus card valid 1/2/19 – 3/5/19). Head here for more details.

RUSTY BUCKET

Through December 30th, 2018, for every $50 in Rusty Bucket gift cards you purchase, receive a $10 bonus card (bonus bard valid 1/2/19 – 2/28/19). Go here for more details.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Through December 31st, 2018, buy $250 worth of more of gift cards, and receive a 10% bonus card (bonus card valid 1/1/19 – 3/31/19). Head here for more details.

SOMA

Through December 24th, 2018, buy $100 in Soma Gift cards and receive a $20 money card (money card valid 1/8/19 – 2/2/19 in Soma boutiques and outlets). Go here for more details.

 

STEAK ‘N SHAKE

Through December 31st, 2018, receive a free $5 certificate when you buy $20 in Steak ‘n Shake gift cards (certificate valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Head here for more details.

TEXAS DE BRAZIL

Through December 21st, 2018, for every $100 Texas de Brazil gift card purchase you’ll receive an additional $25 bonus certificate, and for every $50 gift card purchase you’ll receive $10 bonus certificate (bonus certificate valid 1/1/19 – 3/14/19)! Go here for more details.

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

For a limited time, for every $30 you buy in Texas Roadhouse gift card purchased online, you’ll receive a $5 bonus eGift card (bonus gift card will be emailed to you within 48 hours of purchase; max. bonus is $100) – note that these offers may vary by region. Head here for more details.

 

THE CHILDREN’S PLACE

Through December 25th, 2018, buy a $50 The Children’s Place gift card and receive a $10 bonus card! Or, buy a $75 gift card to get a $15 bonus card, or buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 bonus card. Bonus cards valid 12/26/18-2/2/19. Gohere for more details.

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S

Through December 31st, 2018, for every $25 you spend on T.G.I. Friday’s gift cards, you’ll receive a Bonus Bites card worth $5 (Bonus Bites valid 1/1/19 – 2/28/19). Head here for more details.

TONY ROMA’S

For a limited time, for every $50 in Tony Roma’s eGift Cards you purchase, you’ll receive $15 in Roma Bucks (Roma Bucks valid 1/1/19 – 3/22/19). Roma Bucks are not valid at Las Vegas, NV; Newark, NJ; or Waikiki, HI, locations. Head here for more details.

UNO CHICAGO GRILL

Through January 1st, 2019, buy a $25 Uno’s gift card, receive a $5 bonus voucher (bonus voucher valid 1/2/19 – 2/13/19). Go here for more details.

YARD HOUSE

Through December 31st, 2018, buy a $50 Yard House gift card, receive a $10 Bonus Card (Bonus Card valid 1/2/19 – 3/31/19). Head here for more details.

Grandma's Sugar Cookies

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My grandma Esther, who passed away in 2003, was known for her sugar cookies. She also made rum balls, spritz cookies and more. I have started making her sugar cookies with my son Cam! 

Here's the recipe: 

    1 1/2 cups butter, softened 

    2 cups white sugar 

    4 eggs 

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

    5 cups all-purpose flour 

    2 teaspoons baking powder 

    1 teaspoon salt 


 In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.    Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely. 

And here is her icing recipe, though on these cookies we used a different type of icing. This makes a shiny, drizzly icing that hardens to a shiny finish. It works well with adding food coloring too. 

Icing Recipe: 

  •     1 cup confectioners' sugar
  •     2 teaspoons milk
  •     2 teaspoons light corn syrup
  •     1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  •     assorted food coloring

    In a small bowl, stir together confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth. Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If icing is too thick, add more corn syrup. 
    Divide into separate bowls, and add food colorings to each to desired intensity. Dip cookies, or paint them with a brush. 

First, I doubled the recipe and mixed everything in my Kitchen Aid mixer. My grandma mixed most of her cookies with a spoon, the old-school way. 

Then I wrapped everything in wax paper to chill for a few hours: 

Now it's ready to roll! I got out my cookie cutters, including 2 vintage cookie cutters from my grandma. You can find everything you need on ebay for perfect Christmas cookies. 

5 Homemade Hostess Gifts

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Glitter Ornaments

Here's what you'll need to make your own glitter ornaments: 

Clear glass ornaments 
Pledge Tile & Vinyl Floor Finish with Future Shine 
Fine glitter (Martha Stewart glitter) 
A funnel 
A few cotton swabs 

To make the ornaments: 

1. Take off the hangers from the ornament 
2. Squirt some floor wax in the ornament and roll or swirl it around.  
3. Take the cap off of the floor shine and stick the ornament upside down on it so the extra drains back in.  
4. Pour a generous amount of glitter into the ornament through a funnel. 
5. Roll the ornament around so the glitter coats the inside. 
6. Put your thumb over the opening and shake the ornament, making sure glitter coats the neck and any other bare spots. 
7. Take the lid off of the glitter container and turn the ornament upside down on it so the loose glitter can empty back in the glitter container. 
8. Put the toppers back on the ornaments.

Homemade Coasters

With materials you can find on ebay, make your own hostess gifts! 

Cork coasters – Ebay has a great selection 
Printed initial – Times New Roman or Georgia. 
Transfer paper – craft store 
Pencil 
Sharpie or permanent marker 
1.  Lay transfer paper face down on coaster. Center cut out letter on top. Make sure it is straight.  Using a pencil make an outline of the letter. The pressure of the pencil point will transfer graphite on the transfer paper to the cork. 

2.   When you are done, remove letter and transfer paper to reveal a graphite outline of the letter. 

3.  Fill letter in with a permanent marker.

Cocoa Party Kit

You will need: 

5 mason jars  

colorful holiday-colored paper straws 

mini-marshmallows 

cocoa powder or k-cups (we like Starbucks k-cups) 

milk 

cinnamon sticks 

Customize as you see fit! As you can see here, I added hot chocolate k-cups to one mason jar and mini marshmallows to another. 

Framed Chalkboard

Here is how to make this adorable chalkboard frame!
  1. Take apart a vintage frame (ebay has a great selection) and cut a piece of black board to fit inside (from Home Depot).
  2.  Buy some chalkboard paint at Home Depot.
  3. To cut the chalkboard, you could use a porter cable multi tool. Then use Liquid Nails to glue the chalkboard into the frame.
  4. A hot glue gun works well to glue on a piece of felt for the back. If liquid nails gets on the blackboard side it's easy to clean off with a wet cloth if you do it right away.
  5. For the cord to hang the chalk, upholstery trim works nicely (hot glued only the trim not the chalk so the chalk can be swapped out.
  6. Make a cute and functional eraser by attaching a piece of felt to a wood block. You can use  a round wood block that has a hole in it, covered both ends in felt and wrapped it and hung it with trim (used hot glue gun). Use trim for a decorative hanger at the top (also hot glued).

Baking Kit

This baking kit is a really fun, and quick hostess gift idea.  

Simply stock up on any kitchen tools that will fit in a new kitchen potholder and tie with a pretty ribbon! Some ideas:

The Perfect Holiday Cheese Board

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It's that time of year, the holidays. Whether you are attending a party or hosting one yourself, knowing how to make the perfect cheese plate is essential. 


Pick a variety: When going the store, ask for a variety of cheeses (cow, goat, and sheep) with different textures. Soft, crumbly goat cheese; oozy brie; semisoft manchego (sheep's milk); aged Dutch gouda; and hard parmesan-reggiano are mild, crowd-winning options. Consider buying at least one pungent and strong cheese, too, like a blue cheese, for serious cheese-lovers. 
You can add the following to your cheese plate for some variety: Candied walnuts, Marcona almonds, honey, figs, seasonal fruit (like cherries or grapes), and even caramel go well with cheese.  

Serve the cheese plate with thin crackers like Carr's, Raincoast Crisps, or 34 Degrees Crispbreads. 

Let the cheese come to room temperature: The complex flavors of cheese taste best when they are served at room temperature. Several hours before guests arrive, take the cheeses out of the fridge, and let them rest on the countertop until they're no longer cool to the touch. 

Spread on a cheeseboard: Use a large wooden cutting board or a stone slab to lay out the cheese from mildest to strongest. Between each cheese, place fruits, nuts, and crackers to create dividers. Make sure each cheese has its own knife so that no one double dips into separate cheeses!

 

20+ Clever Ways to Give Gift Cards

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I give gift cards year-round, for all sorts of occasions. Here are my creative tips for gift card giving: 

Here is what you need:
  • clean jars with lids
  • distilled water
  • plastic animals
  • epoxy
  • tinsel glitter
  • sand paper
  • glycerin


Make sure your jars are cleaned and dried thoroughly. With sandpaper, mark up the underside of the lid and then attach your chosen figurines using a bit of epoxy. Epoxy will be the best defense against water over time. Let the epoxy set completely and then fill your jar just short of full with distilled water. 
Add a little drop of glycerin to the water. If you add too much it’s going to make the water kind of thick. Add your glitter to the jar, using more or less depending on how snowy you’d like your snow globe to appear. Tinsel glitter works best and gave the best snowy look. 


One year, I made a New Year’s gift basket for my sister Em and brother in law Jeff. I included a $25 Fandango gift card and a $25 Red Robin gift card (their fave restaurant), along with popcorn and cocoa. It was kind of like an “dinner and a movie” kit 
Go with a theme. For example, one year I gave one of my friends a kit of her favorite  Starbucks coffees and a mug and included a Starbucks gift card with it. You could also make a chef’s kit, with a Williams Sonoma gift card. The ideas are endless!
Hide a gift card in a fuzzy pair of slippers. You can also get more creative and hide it in a pair of socks, inside the slippers!
Buy holiday stationary online. Cut, fold, tape and you are done!
Instead of just giving a gift card, attach it to a fun gift, like a book, dvd, box of candy, etc. I like the idea of picking out the recipient's favorite book and matching the candy to it.
Here is a great trick to play on someone. Wrap up the biggest box you can find and put the gift card in the very bottom. They will think they are getting a huge gift, but not understand why the box is so light until they open it.
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MORE IDEAS: (source Shutterfly.com)

1. Wrapping Paper

Whether it’s baby blue wrapping for a baby shower or custom ordered wrapping with your friend’s favorite cartoon character– wrapping paper matters. It’s shows care has been put into the presentation. Plan ahead to have appropriate wrapping paper ready to go for any occasion that might come up.

2. Newspaper Cartoons

In a pinch, or for a friend who really loves comics, newspaper cartoons make a fun wrapping paper. Simply cut out an appropriate comic strip for the occasion. To help yourself out in the future, try cutting out funny comic strips whenever you get the paper.

3. Ribbon

Sometimes an elegant or elaborate ribbon will do the trick when wrapping a gift card box.  Just make sure it’s tied tight enough that the gift card won’t accidentally fall out.

4. Origami Paper

Looking for a unique and elegant paper to wrap your gift card box? Consider using a square of origami paper. The gift card is small enough that you won’t need much paper, and you can even add a special origami shape on top for decoration.

5. Small Baggie

For an easy to wrap gift, consider ordering gift card sized baggies. These small paper or plastic baggies are perfectly sized, and they look adorable on a gift table.

6. Cloth Bag

A small cloth bag can work just as well as the gift bags mentioned above. This is a great alternative when the occasion calls for more delicate decorations.

7. Gift Card Box

Gift card boxes are necessary when decorating with wrapping paper because they help keep the shape of the gift. You can also decorate the box itself however, if you don’t have any wrapping paper.

Ideas For Gift Card Holders

Looking for some specific ways to hold the gift card? These gift card holders show that time and care have been put into the gift. Pick your favorite idea from those below or use them to inspire an idea all your own.

8. Phone Card Holders

For a unique cardholder idea that doubles as a functional gift, consider using phone cardholders. The gift card easily slides into one of the pockets and you can personalize the design to match the giftee’s style.

9. Card Fold

Consider adding a decorative pouch or folder to the inside of your card. This helps you easily store the gift card in a thoughtful way so that the gift doesn’t fall out of the card when it’s opened.

10. Snack Bag

For a simple and unique gift card holder, consider using a paper snack bag. You can decorate the paper bag and then tie it with a simple string or twine. This works great for gifts for kids.

11. Business Card Holders

Similar to the phone card holder idea, this idea is both cute and practical. Customize a business card holder to hold the gift card for something the giftee is sure to use over and over again. This is an especially perfect gift for new professionals or graduates.

12. Keepsake Boxes

This is an elegant gift and a great option for higher-end occasions, like a bridal or baby shower. Customize the keepsake box for the giftee and place the gift card inside.

13. Mason Jar

Customize a mason jar for the giftee and fill it with their favorite candy. Then hide the gift card inside the candy for an extra special surprise. This is great for kids, graduates, and adults with a sweet tooth.

Gift Card Presentation Ideas

Looking for the right gift card ideas for a specific occasion? Check out the thematic gift card presentation ideas below for some fun inspiration.

14. Christmas Gift Card Ideas

Gift cards make great stocking stuffers as well as gifts under the tree. Looking for some cute presentation ideas for this holiday occasion? Here’s a few of our favorites:

 

  • Inside the stocking, wrapped in black paper to resemble “coal.”
  • In a series of boxes, each one smaller than the next, to help extend the present opening.
  • Inside of another personalized gift.
  • Wrapped with thick wrapping paper, twine, and cuttings from the tree.

15. Creative Ways To Give Multiple Gift Cards

Are you gifting more than one gift card? Whether it’s for an entire family, for someone’s graduation, or any other reason, the following ideas will help you pick the most creative way to give multiple gift cards:

  • Gift Card Wreath: Create a seasonal wreath and use clothespins to attach the gift cards around the wreath.
  • Gift Card Garland: Similar to the wreath, this decorative garland is perfect for the holidays. Simply attach gift cards with ribbon or clothespins to segments along with the garland.
  • Gift Card Flowers: Use a personalized flower pot as the base for this creative idea. Then create “flowers” out of wooden sticks and construction paper. Attach the gift cards to the “flowers” at the end. Finally “plant the flowers” in the flower pot and decorate with a ribbon.
  • A “Giving Tree:” Create a “giving tree” by gluing a collection of thin branches, sticks, and stems together at the base. Make sure it branches out at the end to resemble a tree. Then use twine to tie gift cards to the ends of the branches.

16. Creative Ways To Give Gift Cards To Teachers

Teachers deserve to be appreciated. And if you’ve decided on a gift card, check out the following presentation ideas. 

 

  • Made the gift card holder in the shape of an apple.
  • Place the gift card on the inside of a personalized pencil case, along with some customized pencils.
  • Gift it inside a bunch or vase of flowers.

Cookie Exchange Party Tip

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For several years now, I have been going to an annual cookie exchange and it’s always a lot of fun! Here are my best tips for having a memorable cookie exchange:

The Basics:

Ask each guest to bring a big batch of cookies. You’ll need to estimate 1 dozen multiplied by the total number of guests. We typically have 8 people at our cookie exchange, so that would be 96 cookies. 

You may want to provide guidelines to each baker so that you get a good cookie assortment: rolled cookies, bar cookies, drop cookies, decorated cookies. Your friends may have family recipes they wish to share. You can also find tons of recipes online, like on Land o Lakes or Very Best Baking.
Packaging the Treats: 
Each guest should also bring copies of their cookie recipe and  containers to take cookies home. Heavy duty plastic freezer bags will work for sturdy cookies, but decorated cookies and more delicate shapes should be packaged in tins or sealable plastic containers. Provide waxed paper or parchment for separating layers of cookies. 

Last year, I picked up a few  inexpensive bakery boxes to package the cookies. You can find bakery boxes and more cute containers on ebay. And to add extra style to your cookies with these  adorable gift tags. 

Include Extras:

Buy reusable tote bags and include Yankee candles, along with the cookies. When I did this last year, everyone loved getting a little something extra. You could also include an assortment of candy, stickers or another small treat.

Tips for the Hostess:

Before the guests arrive, put on some holiday music and light a seasonal scented candle or spray a little holiday room. This will put guests in a holiday mood! 
Besides snacking on cookies, set out big bowls of popcorn and chips, the veggies and dip and an insulated server of hot chocolate and a pitcher of cider for all the cookie bakers to help themselves.

Cookie Recipe Booklets:

Ask your guests to mail (or e-mail) their cookie recipes to you, or collect the recipes on the day of the party. Compile the recipes into a booklet for everyone to take home! Recipe booklets can be made in Microsoft Word or if you want to do something fancier, you can create a cookbook online. Or they can write them out on recipe cards.

Help Others:

Have guests to bring an unopened package of store-bought cookies or canned food. You can then collect the packaged food and bring them to a homeless shelter or food pantry. We also like to make extra plates of cookies for elderly relatives who couldn’t be at the party and we drop them off later.

Christmas Light Cookies

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Ingredients:

  • flour
  • sugar cookie dough
  • 1½ cups prepared vanilla frosting
  • 3 cups M&M mini chocolate candies
  • 4 strands red licorice laces
  • drinking straw
  • Christmas light shaped cookie cutter (small)

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle your counter top with flour. Roll out your cookie dough to 1/4-inch thickness. By hand, or using a Christmas light cookie cutter, cut out shapes. Gently transfer the cookies to a baking sheet. Using a drinking straw, press a hole at the top of each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Separate different colors of M&M minis, and set aside. Spread vanilla frosting on top of each cookie. Arrange a solid color of M&M minis on top of each cookie. Let the cookies dry for 30 minutes. Run licorice laces through each hole, connecting the cookies into one continuous strand.