Elf on the Shelf Photobooth Idea

It seems like every time you turn around, there's another Elf on the Shelf idea on Pinterest.  Most of them I just cruise on by, but when I saw this Elf on the Shelf Photo booth idea from Amy at Living Locurto, I just had to stop and laugh.

What a great idea!  It almost makes me wish I had a little elf to go and play with!

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November Foodie Penpal Revel

Where has the time gone, it is the last day of November and time to do the Foodie Penpal Revel.  This month my package came from Nae Carter who blogs at I Choose the Sun.

In our communication, I told Nae that I had a real sweet tooth.  Boy did she hear that!  My package was crammed with all sorts of goodies to take care of that sweet tooth.  Nae sent so many wonderful treats that I have not yet finished them all.

First there was this little bag of Moose Munch (what a cute name).  I love glazed popcorn, and this one had cashews in it, one of my favorite nuts.

I think I am going to use these dried pears in a snack mix.  Interesting, I live where pears are grown, but I've never eaten dried ones that I know of.

 This bag of trail mix was delicious.

Of course, a sweet tooth needs candy, and Nae took good care of it with these.  I have been a good girl and restrained myself so there is some left.

Thanks Nae for sending me a great package to finish out the year.

Foodie Penpals was started by Lindsay over at the Lean Green Bean in September 2011.  There is now an exchange in Canada and in Europe.  For the month of December, we are making a contribution to charity, but the exchange will get rolling again in January.  If you would like more information on how to join in the fun, drop by Lindsay's blog toward the end of December.  She will have all the information up for getting started in the new year.

My package went to Barbara Geeco in Virginia who does not have a blog.

I am linking to to Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

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12 Weeks of Christmas Treats-Eggnog Cherry Drops

Here we are at week 10 of 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats hosted by Brenda at Meal Planning Magic.  Only two more weeks to go.

For me, a holiday cookie platter is not complete without a eggnog-flavored cookie.  This week I am sharing Eggnog Cherry Drops.  This is a rum and nutmeg flavored cookie full of chopped candied cherries, nuts and coconut if desired.  Only two cups of the Holiday Cookie Mix makes about 32 cookies.

Making these cookies used up the second batch of Holiday Cookie Mix.  I will need to make one more to finish the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats, but will have some left to post additional recipes made with it on my Saturday sweets posts.

After the cherries and nuts have been chopped, these go together very quickly, and they can be all baked up and ready to eat in about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the cookie sheet they are baked on.

Any nuts can be used here.  I most often use walnuts, but almonds are very good in these also.

Eggnog Cherry Drops
2 c. Holiday Cookie Mix
1/2 t. nutmeg
1 egg
1 T. water
1 t. rum extract
1/2 c. candied cherries, chopped
1/2 c. toasted chopped nuts
1/2 c. flaked coconut (opt.)

Measure cookie mix into a mixing bowl, add nutmeg and mix well.  In a small bowl, combine egg, water and rum extract.  Mix well.  Add to dry ingredients and mix until well combined.  Stir in candied cherries, nuts and coconut, if using.  Drop by teaspoonsful onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees 10-11 minutes.  Remove to rack to cool.  Makes about 32 cookies.

There is still time to jump in and join in posting a recipe for the last two weeks.  All the important details are on Brenda's 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats post.

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Easy and Elegant Candy Cane Vase

I don't know who thought it was a good idea...because I certainly need to have words with them...but I was put in "charge" of the church Christmas party this year.  It's two weeks away and has already been charged with all sorts of drama and chaos, so much so that I'm sure even Charlie Sheen would be proud.

I've already delegated out the program and the dinner, and left myself in charge of the fun party...the decorations.  I've decided to go with a red and white Candy Cane theme to try and keep the party elegant, but fun.

My first project was inspired by this vase from Better Homes and Gardens.  

I started with an empty chili can (I used the large pound size), candy canes, silk flowers from Dollar Tree, some spare glitter ribbon, and a glue gun.

I started by running a glue line down the long back side of the candy cane.  Then I secured it to the can with the loop side down.  I think it would look super cool with the loop on the top too, it's your choice.

Once I used about 2 1/2 boxes of candy canes to go all around the can, I added 5 red sparkly poincetta bushes from Dollar Tree and one white poincetta bush in the center of the can.  The bushes bend fairly easy, so you can prod them to spread out from the can and over the sides.

 To finish off, I secured a scrap piece of glitter ribbon to the top of the candy canes to bring a little sparkle to the vase itself.

I think I may make a few extra of these for my table at home....if I can keep the kids from eating all the candy canes.

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Christmas is Coming!

You've enjoyed your turkey.  You've been out shopping at all the stores.  Now you're Cyber shopping for more sweet deals to finish off your Christmas shopping....but don't forget to throw a little sweet cheer into your holidays this year with a fun red and white themed Christmas party.

While you're enjoying all the great deals in Cyberland, don't forget to support the small businesses out there who are trying to make a little extra money for Christmas.  Here are some great Etsy shops with some fun Candy cane themed party favors and decorations!

'It's a Candy Cane Christmas!' 

All your party favors, treats, and decorations to throw a sweet Candy Cane themed Christmas party!

White & Red Cotton Ball Wedd... thailights $12.99	Set of 3 red and white polka... TheSouthernWil... $42.00
Christmas Candy Cane Stripe ... GiftsbyGaby $12.00	Christmas Wedding Centerpiec... KPGDesigns $39.00
Candy Cane Lollipop, Holiday... SweetCarolineC... $30.00	MINI Red & White Christmas P... BlueMoonStudio... $14.00
Christmas Decor Pinwheels- C... HalosHaven $11.70	Vintage Pair of Christmas Ca... humphreyshouse... $11.95
Christmas Holiday Candy Cane... anniescraftcor... $5.00	Christmas Chevron Printable ... doubleudesign $14.00
Candy Cane Sugar Cookies guiltyconfecti... $21.00	24 Chocolate Santas and Cand... DelightfulChoc... $48.00
Christmas red and white chev... LuxuryLinenLof... $16.00	Candy Cane Twirler Ribbon Wa... BlackCatBazaar $10.00
Paper Straws, 25 Candy Cane ... PaperStrawsPar... $4.25	painted Christmas wine glass... DelightfulFind... $25.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

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Cocodoodles

Some people like chocolate, some people like Snickerdoodles.  Today’s Saturday sweet is a cookie for those people who like both.  A chocolate cookie rolled in cinnamon sugar.

The dough needs to chill for at least one hour, but can be kept chilled several days, so it can be made ahead and baked later.  This makes it a convenient cookie to make at holiday time.

Cocodoodles
3/4 c.  butter, softened
1 1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
2 T. milk
1 t. vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon

Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.  Break egg into a small bowl.  Add milk and vanilla and mix well.  Add to butter/sugar mixture.  Combine flour, cocoa and baking powder.  Mix well.  Add to liquid mixture.  Stir until well blended.  Dough will be somewhat stiff.  Cover and chill 1 hour.  (Dough can be placed in a zip top bag and chilled several days.)  Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl shallow bowl and mix well.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls.  Roll bowls in the cinnamon/sugar mixture.  Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Flatten with a glass that has been dipped in the cinnamon/sugar mixture.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes.  Let stand on cookie sheet 1 minute before removing to rack to cool.  Makes about 3 dozen.

Linking to these great parties:
Seasonal Inspiration
Strut Your Stuff
Saturday Nite Special
Weekend Bloggy Reading
Ingredient Spotlight

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Friday Finds

My Friday Finds continue with more delicious looking recipes from bloggers who attended Online Blogcon.

Nutella S'mores Bars

Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker

Oh Man!  I have got to make these.  I don't know how I managed to miss this post last summer.  That's OK, they will be great to put in Christmas goodie platters.  Kristen hosts Improv Cooking Challenge on the third Thursday of each month.  December's improv ingredients are chocolate and marshmallows.  Details on how to join in fun are on her Improv Page.

Curried Turkey Pita

Eat at Allie's

Just the recipe I need this week to use of some of that leftover turkey.  I love curry with turkey or chicken in dishes like this.  This is going to be my lunch when I work on Black Friday and then on Saturday this week.

 Eggnog Muffins with Gingersnap Streusel

A Kitchen Addiction

Eggnog is one of my most favorite flavors of the holiday season, and it is no secret how I feel about streusel.  Muffins are so nice to have available for breakfast or a snack.  These are most definitely on my "to make soon" list.

3-Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

The Tasty Fork

This is a great recipe with ingredients I usually have on hand.  I am keeping this one in the front of my files for serving unexpected visitors, and I just may make some up just for myself to take to work for lunch.  This dish might be fun to play with ingredient wise.

 Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples

Happy Food Healthy Life

Although the blogger suggested this as a Thanksgiving side dish, with the combination of two great fall foods, this would be good anytime.  I am also going to try it with yams/sweet potatoes.  It would be easier to get hubby to eat them.

Grilled CAB

Cooking is a Hoot

The CAB stands for cheddar cheese, apple, and bacon.  Three things that I like, but I would never have thought to put them together in a grilled sandwich.  Now that someone has, I say "Why not?"  I agree with her suggestion to add some apple butter, also.  Things like this are just one of the reasons I love to read other blogs.  I'm thinking after the turkey is gone, that this will soon be on my lunch menu.

As always the photos were taken by and are the property of the owners of the respective blogs represented.

I am linking up to Friday Favorite Finds at Finding Joy in My Kitchen.  Click on over with me to see what others have found in their travels around the web this week.

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12 Weeks of Christmas Treats-Spiced Ciderdoodles

Before we get to today’s Christmas Treat, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I hope that you all have a wonderful day full of family,food and friends.  Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog.

This is week nine of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Treats 2012 hosted by Brenda from Meal Planning Magic.

I am continuing to post recipes utilizing the Holiday Cookie Mix.  Today’s cookie I call Spiced Ciderdoodles.  A little envelope of dry spiced cider mix turns these into slightly apple flavored cookies.  If regular Snickerdoodles are preferred just leave out the cider mix.

I roll these in a mixture of sugar and apple pie spice, but sugar and just cinnamon can also be used.

The dough for these can be made ahead and refrigerated a day or so until ready to bake.

Spiced Ciderdoodles
2 1/2 c. Holiday Cookie Mix
1 t. cream of tartar
1 egg
2 T. milk
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. apple pie spice or cinnamon

Measure cookie mix into a large mixing bowl.  Add cream of tartar and mix well.  Combine egg and milk and mix well.  Add egg/milk mixture to dry ingredients.  Mix until well blended.  If dough is too soft to roll into balls, refrigerate an hour or more.  Combine sugar and apple pie spice or cinnamon.  Mix well.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls.  Roll in sugar mixture.  Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.  Flatten with the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in the sugar mixture.  Bake at 400 degrees 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Let stand one minute before removing from cookie sheet to rack to cool.  Makes about 3 dozen.

If you want to jump in and join us for the last three weeks there is still time.  Brenda has all the details on her post here.

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Thanksgiving Plate Decoration

I know you are probably in full swing, having your Thanksgiving table already planned and ready to be set.  I wish I could say I was right there with you...but I still have to go grocery shopping and there is NOTHING worse than grocery shopping on the day before Thanksgiving.

So, I may push it off as long as I can and go at midnight tonight or something.  Surely the stores won't be crazy busy then...

In the meantime, I plan to spend the day finishing up my Thanksgiving plates.

You'll remember my crazy obsession with decorating plates lately.  I made a set for Back to School and one for Halloween and now I'm in the process of a set for Thanksgiving.

When I saw this awesome tablecloth from Becca at Blue Cricket Design, I REALLY, REALLY wanted one, but I can't even imagine the time and effort it went in to making such an heirloom.  So I went a little smaller.

I started by making a list of all the things I could think of to be grateful for.

I listed everything from my kids to my parents to personal things such as Koolaid and Red Gummy Bears.

Then, I added each one of those items in a Subway art style to a plate using a Sharpie Marker.  I used different font styles and different directions and different styles.

When I was all done, I baked the plate for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Now I have a unique and personal Thanksgiving plate for my table.

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Pumpkin Pie Push Pops

One of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is Pumpkin Pie.  I hate turkey.  I don't care for all the work for a 20 minute meal, but I do love Pumpkin Pie.

So when I saw these Pumpkin Pie Push Pops from One Charming Party, I knew I had to give them a go.  And thought I would share them with you, so you too can enjoy Pumpkin Pie on the go!

If you're looking for push pops to try this with, you can go HERE to get them.

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Friday Finds

Time for another Friday Finds.  I am continuing to share delicious recipes found at the blogs of bloggers who attended Online Blogcon.

 Puppy Chow Fudge

Whatcha Makin' Now

I got no further than this post on this blog before I knew I had to share this fun take on a batch of fudge.  I will definitely be making this one for gift giving this year.  For some reason I would not get a permalink to this specific post to come up so I will tell you that it was posted on November 12, 2012.

Apple Butter Cake

Inside Bru Crew Life

This is a blog that I have featured on Friday Finds before.  This cake looks like a good way to use up some of that apple butter that I made recently and provide hubby with a nice treat.

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Dreaming All Day

Well, I may or may not be on a goodie kick this week.  We will see when I am done here.  I have seen other recipes for Apple Cider Cookies, but some of them required quite a bit of dry apple cider mix.  This one takes only 1 tablespoon.

Lemon Spaghetti

Mom on Time Out

Lest I get carried away with posting all sweets today, I am including this wonderful looking pasta dish.  I love to use pasta as a side dish in place of potatoes.  The lemon flavor in this one is different and seems inviting.

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Pie

Crazy for Crust

Dorothy is one of the founders and hosts of Online Blogcon.  I love cinnamon anything so this would be the perfect thing to wake up to eat in the morning.  Now if I could somehow or other get Dorothy here to make it for me.

Those are some of the wonderful recipes I found this week.  As always the photos were taken by and are the property of the owners of the respective blogs represented.

Join me over at Friday Favorite Finds to see what other bloggers have found in their travels around the web this week.

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