Gamer's Gift Idea

I'm heading back to the US today and will be back to comment, thank you for hanging with me while I have been away.  My internet in Canada has been shaky so I haven't been able to stop by and say hi as I wanted to do.  I had an amazing time, ate too much, did a lot of walking and even met a Housewife from the OC ... oh yes I did and I got a picture too (to come soon).

Cole's friend from school had a party a while back, I asked his mom what he would like and she said anything to do with a game system.  I thought perfect I'll make a gamer basket, I found an idea on Bubbly Nature Creations and ran with it to make it my own.

What you Need:

Game (Found in Walmart $10 bin)

Licorice

Candy (assorted)

Gatorade (For re-hydration)

Beef Jerky

Corn Nuts

Popcorn Basket

I hit up Dollar Tree for the popcorn basket to hold all the items.  I found some candy items to go with the beef jerky and other items.  I also found some Pez dispensers in Star War's that I had to get.  Arrange it in the bucket, if need you can always put some tissue paper in to hold everything in nice.  If you don't know a game they like go ahead and pick up a gift card for like Google Play or a game store (like Game Stop).  Easy to put together and kids love them!

Have a great day!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE.

Tis the Season ... Eggnog and Gingerbread Man Popcorn

Looking for a quick and easy recipe that can double as a gift?  As you know I love to give personal gifts and this one was one I whipped up this up for my women's group ladies.  Popcorn gifts are one of the simplest I have made.  I always do my recipe for Blow Your Mind Microwave Popcorn instead of bag popcorn.  It's easy and it doesn't have all the extras.  I found the perfect flavored Candy Melts at Walmart, also saw them at Micheal's

What You Need:

Popcorn Kernels

- Microwave

- Glass Bowl / Plate (see link for instructions)

Candy Melts - Eggnog Flavor

Pop your popcorn set aside.  Melt your Candy Melts in the microwave, remember it does burn so do it in 30 second increments.  Once melted add to your popcorn and stir it until all the popcorn is coated.  Let it dry on some parchment paper.  Break up and box it up!

Next on the list was a Gingerbread Popcorn.

What You Need:

Popcorn Kernels

- Microwave

- Glass Bowl / Plate (see link for instructions)

Candy Melts - Gingerbread

Gingerbread Men

Pop your popcorn, then break up gingerbread men add to the popcorn and set aside.  Melt your Candy Melts in the microwave, remember it does burn so do it in 30 second increments.  Once melted add to your popcorn and stir it until all the popcorn is coated.  Let it dry on some parchment paper.  Break up and box it up!

I found cute little boxes at the Dollar Tree that I added the finished popcorn and delivered it!

Are you already for Christmas?

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn

Next on my pumpkin list is Pumpkin Pie Popcorn, I found several recipes but went with the one I found on Family Bites.  It was a simple recipe, the only hard part is the putting in the oven and checking and stirring every 20 minutes.

OK this is what I learned READ the recipe I accidentally went with 350°F instead of 250°F on my first batch.  I also found a tin disposable pan was easier to do the stirring instead of cookie sheet.  My first batch was a little darker then I would like.  It was still tasty but not perfect!

LOL I just noticed the glow from y computer fan made this looks crazy :).

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn (adapted from Orangette)

• 10 cups air popped popcorn, salted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syurp
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Coat a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray, and dump the popcorn into the bowl, taking care to pick out and discard any unpopped kernels.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water.

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Continue to simmer, whisking often, and bring to a boil.  Allow the mixture to boil for about 2 minutes, whisking occasionally. Immediately remove the pan from the heat, and whisk in the baking soda and pumpkin pie spice.

Quickly pour the hot caramel over the popcorn. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the caramel into the popcorn, taking care to distribute it as evenly as you can. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 1 hour, stirring and turning the popcorn with a spatula every 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and place on a cooling rack for 20 minutes. Gently break up the popcorn, and serve.

I made extra so I could take some to Boston for my co workers and bosses.  One of my co-worker has been asking for treats so I thought I'd bring some when I go this week. Let's hope they travel well.

Hope you are all have an amazing week!

Thanks for Stopping by!

Don't forget to see the parties I link up to HERE. 

Any Thanksgiving Plans?

Super Hero's & Popcorn ... What More Could you Want?

Well I finished two more of more Valentine Day projects!  3 more to go but let's just hope I finish those tomorrow.  Today I show off Caden's class Valentine's and a gift for Cole's teacher.

First off we start with the Superhero Valentines I found on Little Bit Funky.  The super cute cape printable is found on Less Ordinary Designs, they are free make sure you say thank you.

What you Need:

Superhero Printable FREE from Less Ordinary Designs 
stiff felt (I used foam sheets from the Dollar Store)
hole punch
2in paper punch (or you can use scissors)
coordinating ribbon
lollipops (tootsie pops have nice superhero colors)
glue (hot or craft will work)
cape template

Cut or Punch out the superhero circles and emblems for the capes.  Cut the cape (I created one you can use it if you would like.  Just save the picture and print, I used it as a template to cut the capes out). Glue the superhero emblems onto the capes. Use a hole punch to punch hole in the top of the cape.  Slide the lollipop through the hole and tie a coordinating ribbon below. Punch a hole in the top and bottom of the word circles and slide onto the stick.  They were very cute and easy to make.

Last on the list to do is a teacher gift.   I found a picture on Marci Coombs website for The Pop-Pop Pop-ular Teacher! Valentine's Gift!  

What you Need:

Popcorn Container (found at the Dollar Store)

2 Bags of Microwave Popcorn

2 Boxes of Candy

Ribbon

Card Stock to add the personal message

Add the popcorn and candy into the container.  I typed up the message in word and attached with a ribbon.  Oh yeah it was that easy!

I hope you have a wonderful day and maybe try out one of these easy Valentine's Day Gifts.