Where did the time go???
Well, lets see where we left off.
Last time I wrote, I was a new vegan, a mother of two & was trying to fall in love with the craft/diy world.
Now I am a meat eater, a mother of three & I am indeed in love with the craft/diy world!
I am not that great at diy stuff. But I watch the channel all the time! And I do actually enjoy doing crafts with my kids. When I was a teenager, I used to watch my Mom do crafts with kids & I just could not understand how she found it fun, but now I get it. :)
So it's already Christmas time. Is it just me, or has this December just flown by? I feel like I just flipped the calendar & now I am about to replace it already.
I was so determined to get gifts for everyone this year, but alas... My husband & I both have very large families & that proved to be impossible. So we just bought for the kids/teens & I made gifts for the adults.
For my parent's & brother/sister-in-law, we got them a "date around the world". This was inspired by something I saw on Dating Divas (love their site! They have so many great ideas for fun dates) a long time ago. I added my own spin & made it so the giftees never have to leave their home.
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| "Date around the world!" |
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| We start off with breakfast in Switzerland! |
There they enjoy overnight oatmeal. This is all ready for them to add milk or yogurt & soak it overnight in the refrigerator & enjoy it the next morning. Though, they can always just cook it for 5 minutes on the stove top & enjoy it hot too. :)
Muesli or your favorite oatmeal ingredients & a jar are all it takes to put this gift together. Decorate however you like. I was pressed for time so I put a little homemade label on it & some ribbon, but you could really make it look fancy if you wanted to.
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| Then lunch in Italy! |
Pasta & a yummy sauce are all that is needed for this one. I liked this because all they had to use to prepare it was water. I didn't want to give them anything perishable for this one, so I thought it was perfect. And pumpkin pasta sauce?? I almost kept that one for myself & gave them the marinara jar in my pantry! ;)
For my brother/sister-in-law we gave them Udon Soup from Japan (that was supposed to be complete with chopsticks, but I forgot until I found them in my purse the next day...). Again, all that's needed for that is hot water. :)
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| Dinner in India!! |
I think this one is my favorite because this dish is SOOO yummy! I found the recipe at Veggie Belly & had to test it out for myself before giving it away. I will be making this a lot! It was seriously so delicious. You must try this. Then make up these adorable jars & give them away to your friends. They will love you for it!
My jars didn't turn out as pretty as hers did, but I still think they look nice. I am going to get some patches of cloth & make several of these to keep in my cupboard for last minute gifts (and maybe to use for myself!).
Side note: You should seriously check out her site though. She has a ton of amazing recipes & ideas. Like the cauliflower hummus recipe that I must try!
Then it was back to the United States for dessert in Hawaii!
My husband was born & raised in Hawaii & he said these looked pretty authentic. Though I think he was just trying to boost my ego. He's such a sweet guy! ;)
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| Rainbow Macaroons & Pineapple Hand Pies |
A 14oz bag of shredded, sweetened coconut, a 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 a cup of A.P. flour & some M&Ms for the "rainbow". Bake until golden (about 9 minutes, depending on how big you make them & how hot your stove is).
Everyone seemed to enjoy their gifts. And anyway, it's the thought that counts, isn't it? I had a lot of fun putting them together & even more fun giving them out. :)
Have you ever given out a homemade gift? What was it & how was it received?
I hope that everyone has a Safe & Happy Holiday!! :)
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