Last Minute Gifts

Every year we make our lists and check them twice.....but we always forget to buy a gift someone!  Or maybe you are looking for a budget friendly, heartfelt gift to give.  Nothing can beat a homemade gift!  Here are a few recipes for some quick and easy gifts:

BAVARIAN MINT FLAVORED COFFEE

1/4 C. Powdered Creamer

1/3 C. Sugar

1/4 C. Instant Coffee

2 T. Powdered Baking Cocoa

2 hard candy Peppermints

Process in a blender on liquefy until well blended.

*Store in an air tight/decorative container such as a mason jar.

*Attach directions to container: Use by tablespoonfuls according to taste.Spoon in cup and add hot water.

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS

1 1/4 c. water

1 c. salt

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

Heat water and salt together until salt slightly dissolves. Add to flour mixture.

Mix with hands until dough is smooth. Roll out. Cut with cookie cutter. Place on

foil lined baking sheets. Place in 300 degree oven for about 1 hour. Turn often.
Feel free to paint an decorate as you'd like!  This is fun for the kids and makes great gifts for grandparents!

INSTANT PEA SOUP MIX

Mix and pour into jar: -- (makes one soup mix)

1 cup green split pea flour -- (dried split peas ground to a fine flour)

2 tablespoons chicken broth powder

2 tablespoons dried onions

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups non fat dry milk powder

Attach to the jar:

To make soup: In medium saucepan over medium high heat, whisk soup mix into 6 cups

boiling water. Stir about 1 minute until mixture is incorporated. Turn heat to low, cover

and cook 2-5 minutes. Note: if desired, add 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

(mixed, peas & carrots, or carrots), grated potatoes, minced celery, or ham to

boiling water and proceed as above. This soup thickens upon cooling. To reheat, add

a little milk or water to soup & heat.

How-To Make a Lined Alligator Clip Bow

Making a custom clippie for you or your little one is easy!  You can create a custom piece for any outfit or occasion!  here is my tutorial to show you a basic clippie bow!

1. Cut your ribbon (3/8') to the length of your clip (remember, it must wrap around to the back of the clip as well).

2. Seal the ends of your ribbon to prevent fraying (use a lighter to seal the edges).

3. Put hot glue half way down your ribbon

4.  Wrap the glued ribbon around your clip.  Start underneath the top part of the clip as pictured.

5. Put glue on top part of clip, continue until the entire top portion is covered.

6. Put hot glue on the remainder of ribbon (bottom part of ribbon that will be toughing the clip).

7.  Continue to wrap your ribbon until you come to the end.  You now have a lined clip!  You can leave it as is, or decorate it!

8.  For a super simple bow, cut any ribbon (I used 5/8" satin/sheer) to approx. 2" in length.

9. Create a simple bow.  Make sure you secure your bow with a quick stitch.

10.  Now you can wrap the center of your bow to cover the thread and glue it to your clip!

You can now create and kind of clippie you'd like!  Attach bows, buttons, and any other embellishments you'd like!  Have fun!!!  These also make great party favors and gifts!!!