HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

BLESSINGS FOR 2014!

Make a resolution to be creative! It soothes the soul.

" You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."
      Maya Angelou

Tuesday Tipz

Santa Claus is coming to Town!


Let's Track Santa's Trip Around the World
 on NORAD's RADAR:

Click Here

Monday Make Itz

 Peppermint Plates



I saw a fun craft segment on the Hallmark Channel Home and Family Show.
The craft was 'plates' made from starlite mints.
The mints were placed into a silicon cake pan or on parchment on a cookie pan,
warmed in a low degree oven--the mints melted together into a solid!
I have not made these yet, but looks like a fun tray for cookies and candy.

Google or Pinterest Starlight Mint Plates and Bowls, many ideas pop up!
I read through many of the ideas and some had some really good tips, like
be sure to use starlite mints, since some mints won't melt.

Here are the instructions shown on the Home and Family Show:


Jessie Jane’s DIY Peppermint Plates























Ingredients:
•  Red and green starlite mints
•  Silicone baking mold - preferably 9" round
** Note: You could also use a baking sheet with parchment paper


Recipe:

1. Preheat oven to 350° and unwrap all your mints and place them inside the silicone round. Keep them all super close together making sure to fill out the entire round. Get creative and make a design too!


2. Carefully place the silicone mold in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the mints are melted together. Be sure to watch carefully as you do not want the mints to start to bubble.


3. Remove from oven and let cool on the counter for 10 minutes before removing from the silicone mold.


4. If you wish to make your peppermint tray a cake stand you can glue candy canes to the base. Obviously do not eat if you choose to use hot glue.


5. Use platter to hold Santa's cookies or to serve holiday treats!

TIPS:
The plates are edible so you can break off pieces and add them to you hot cocoa for peppermint hot chocolate! You can also use them as a serving piece for dessert…and then eat the plate!

1. Do NOT overbake the plates.


2. Use silicone bakeware or a baking tray with silpat or parchment paper.


3. Do NOT use a real pan.

For more with Jessie Jane, visit lilyshop.com.

Friday Freebeez

SALE- A- BRATION!!!

It's almost time for Stampin' UP  favorite time of the year---Sale -a -Bration (SAB)!
FREE PRODUCTS! Starting January 28th.
For every $50 in product purchased, pick one of the exclusive products
from a special catalog.
Ask Santa for Craftin' Cash to use for this great sale!

Happy Craftin'!!!!

Thursday Treatz

CHEX CEREAL RECIPES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

(Note--now is a great time to stock up on your favorite Chex cereals- the big box store
has many flavors for $2 a box, almost half price. Stock up for the rest of the year,
the boxes have a long shelf life.)

Holiday Time is time to use Chex Cereal in all kinds of recipes!
Our favorite is 'Puppy' Chow for a sweet treat, Chex Mix is the favorite
salty treat, but the following is a yum addition to the menu.
The recipe is from the Chex cereal website. Check it out for more recipes:

CLICK HERE

Cheesy Ranch Chex® Mix

Enjoy this tasty snack that’s highlighted with the popular flavor of ranch dressing.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Corn Chex^®, Rice Chex^® or Wheat Chex^® cereal (or combination)
  
• 2 cups bite-size pretzel twists
  
• 2 cups bite-size cheese crackers
  
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
  
• 1 package (1 oz) ranch dressing and seasoning mix
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  

Directions

• 1. In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, pretzels and crackers. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated.
  
• 2. Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.
  
• 
  
• High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.
  

Tips

Variation

Go ahead and add some peanuts or mixed nuts to the mix—about 1 cup would be just enough!
Special Touch
Need clever gift wrapping ideas for this 15-minute recipe? Check out Mix & Mingle with Chex^® Party Mix.

Nutrition

1 Serving: Calories 100 (Calories from Fat 30); Total Fat 3g (Saturated Fat 1 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 310mg; Total Carbohydrate 14g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 2g); Protein 2g
% Daily Value*:J Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 6%; Iron 20%
Exchanges: 1 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
MyPyramid Servings: 1 tsp Fats & Oils

Wednesday Websitz

NATIONAL BAKE COOKIES DAY

Check out The Whimsey Project for simple cookie recipes to try on this special day.

click here for link

Tuesday Tipz

Organizing Tipz

Store it where you use it!


This is especially helpful for consumable paper products,
if there is room in the area where the products are used.