Winter Break

With 10 'days' still to go on my holiday list, I am going to have to call it quits for a while. We are having some MAJOR computer issues and I have to limit my usage until we fix the one we've got or (gasp) buy something new.

Thanks so much for crafting and baking with me. I just wish I could have kept it current and finished the full 40 days. Guess that's what happens when you think you can take on a little of everything right before Christmas...Ah, who am I kidding, I'll try again next year!

Merry Christmas!

Day 10 - PB&J Cookies

I had the genius idea to turn my plain old peanut butter cookies into some sweet PB&J thumbprints for my cookie swap. I'm sure it's been done before, but here is the recipe I came up with.

PB&J Thumbprint Cookies

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup crisco

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

3 Tbsp milk

1 Tbsp vanilla

1 egg

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup strawberry jam

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine peanut butter, crisco, sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add egg and mix well. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well blended.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on greased baking sheet. With thumb, gently press a small indent in the middle of each cookie. Bake for 5 minutes.

Remove cookies from oven and fill indents with jam. Return to oven for 7 minutes.

Cool finished cookies on sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. 

Day 11 - Clothespin Wreath

Nate and I made this a few years back. It was so adorable, and it kept him busy for a good deal of time.

Clothespin Wreath

What you need:

2 brass rings, 1 10" and 1 12" (found in any craft store)

clothespins (enough to cover the entire clothespin)

Green spray paint

Red puffy paint

Glue Gun

What you do:

Spray all of the clothespins with green paint so they are completely covered. Let dry completely.

Once dry, clip clothespins around the small ring, making sure to cover the entire ring. Glue the larger ring to the back of the clothespins with the glue gun. Let dry.

Use red puffy paint to add 'holly' to the wreath. You can also use pom poms, glitter, or buttons to decorate.

(Wreath should hang well by the back ring, but if it does not, glue a small piece of wire, shaped like a U, to the back for hanging.)

Day 12 & 13 - Simple Soaps and Bath Salts

You can make a relaxing gift for any lady on your list in just about an hour. Here's how...

Simple Soaps

What you need:

Melt and Pour Soap Brick (a variety of kinds are available at Michaels)

Scents and Colors, optional (also at Michaels)

Shaped Silicone Muffin Pans

What you do:

Melt soap according to package directions. Add color and scents as desired, then pour into molds. Let molds cool on a flat surface for at least 2 hours. Once the soaps set, gently pop them out of the mold (they should come out very easily if they are done).

Relaxing Bath Salts

What you need:

5 cups Epsom Salts (you can get these in any Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc.)

5 drops food coloring (any color)

3-5 drops essential oils (at Michaels)

What you do:

Place all ingredients in a large resealable bag. Shake and knead until food coloring appears evenly distributed. Pour salts into small glass/plastic jars (I got mine in the scrap booking storage section of Michaels) and attach directions to pour into warm water.

*Package soaps and salts with a few washcloths or a big fluffy robe.*

Day 14 - Microwave Fudge

Making fudge doesn't have to be an all day affair.

Make a quick batch in the microwave and enjoy it right away!

Microwave Fudge

1 pound confectioners sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup baking soda

1 Tablespoon vanilla

Mix everything together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, remove and stir well. Line an 8x8 pan with wax paper, then spray with cooking spray. Pour mixture into pan and chill in fridge until firm (about 2 hours). Cut into squares and enjoy!

Day 15 - Magical Reindeer Food

When I worked with the kindergartners we had Mrs. Claus come by for a special story time the last day of school before Christmas break. Once she was done reading, she passed out these little baggies of 'Santa's Magical Reindeer Food'  to all of the kids. They went bananas for the stuff and it could not be simpler to whip up a batch for your kiddos!

Santa's Magical Reindeer Food

Mix 2 cups dry oats with 2 tablespoons glitter, any color. Sprinkle on the lawn Christmas Eve so Santa's reindeer will be sure to stop by!

Day 16 - Photo Frames

Make a cute frame for your holiday pics!

What you need:

Acrylic picture frame (I used a magnetic one for the fridge)

Puffy fabric paint

What you do:

Draw on the frame! I did holly & stars.

(See, super easy!)