Traditions ... Do you do them or Not?

As many of you know I'm a nut about making traditions and making and preparing a meal to share with the family. Ever since I rented my first house I wanted to do the Holidays at my house. Me making all the treats and everyone showing up.

Christmas is the time of year I look forward to every year, a month before I start planning what I'll make and people sitting around opening presents and just being with one another.

3 years ago my parents said they were going to a 2nd cousins house of mine. I was crushed, I had the meal planned everything. I knew we had a family member who was ill they wanted to spend time with them. Now yes this person lives about 5 minutes from me and we can see them year round but I gave in. Yes with Rick pleading with me not to make a big deal. Ok just this one year! Then last year I did it to myself got all prepared and found out my parents were going to celebrate with this 2nd cousin and their family again. It took a while but I sucked it up (ok pretended to). I thought ok just one more year, but I kept my family at home and decided that I needed to make a new tradition.

So here we are again found out yet again my parents are going to the other families house instead of mine with the kids. I'm making my way to new traditions and enjoying the day with my husband and boys and of course the new boy! I can't say that I'm not bummed that my dream of this huge family get together at my house won't be happening. Along with not a big dinner since the boys are still young there sadly is no reason to make a big dinner. So even though I wish it was just a holiday party they were going to and spending the actual Christmas day with the kids I'm just going to sit back with my hot cocoa and just relax. Ok really I'm trying just let me pretend in my bubble. This year was less tears .... lol :).

Merry Christmas everyone! So now the big question: Tradition is it a big thing for you?

Christmas Gifts in a Jar & One in a Bag (4 Recipes)

So now you see why Rick says I over do it! I can't just do one thing I have to do every cool idea I find. That would explain the $130 bill at Wal-Mart and the mini freak out I had when I checked the checking account ... lol. I just can't help myself I always love to give and give and want it to be something someone hasn't received. So here is round two of the Christmas Gifts. If you missed the ones in the click here.

Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar

by Allfreecrafts.com ~ They even include a cute label that I printed & attached to the jar!

Ingredients:
1½ cups skim milk powder
1½ cups white sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
¾ cup non-dairy creamer

To Make this Jar Gift:
Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well. For a finer mix, combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix well.

Directions:
Place 2 or 3 tablespoons in a mug and add boiling water.

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Next is my favorite!

S'Mores In a Jar

by Organized Christmas ~~ Labels also easy to print from this site.

1 canning jar, quart-size with lid and ring 1 sleeve graham crackers (about 10 crackers or 1 1/2 cups of crushed crackers) 1 large package seasonal peeps ® brand marshmallow candies 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips or seasonal m&ms brand milk chocolate candies

1. Place graham crackers in a zipper freezer food storage bag. Use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to crush crackers into crumbs. (You'll need about 1 1/2 cup of crushed crumbs: one "sleeve" of graham crackers, or about 10 whole crackers equals 1 1/2 cup when crushed.)

2. Place graham cracker crumbs into quart-sized canning jar. Use a meat tenderizer to pack crumbs tightly into the bottom of the jar.

3. Place Peeps candies against the glass on all sides of the canning jar. Press lightly to create a well in the center of the jar. (You'll use approximately 2/3rds of the package; our Halloween recipe used 6 of a 9-pack package of Ghost Peeps.)

4. Add brown sugar to the space in the center of the Peeps, pressing gently to pack.

5. Gently add chocolate chips or M&Ms to the top of the canning jar. Seal jar with lid and sealer ring.

6. Embellish jar with fabric circle, ribbon or raffia.

7. Print a free printable gift tag, or create your own tag with the recipe below.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used Holiday Marshmallows and Christmas M&M's.

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I made a twist on Blizzard Bites (using what I had on hand)

by Organized Christmas

1	cup	Rice Chex-brand cereal
1	cup	pretzel twists, small
1/2	cup	dry-roasted peanuts
1/3	cup	sweetened dried cranberries (craisins)
1/3	cup	dried pineapple, coarsely chopped
1	cup	white chocolate chips
1		canning jar, quart-size with lid and ring
1		food storage bag, small

Layer cereal, pretzel twists, peanuts, cranberries and dried pineapple in a quart-sized canning jar.

Place white chocolate chips inside food storage bag, and place on top of layered ingredients.

Seal jar, and attach a printable gift tag with recipe instructions.

Makes 3 1/2 cups snack mix.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used Christmas M&M's to make this more of a mix then a melt the white chocolate. I figured this would be less messy and a good one for the adults :).

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And since we had an early addition to our house in the form of a puppy I of course went on search for a biscuit recipe. Then I thought what a great idea to give to my boss & MIL that has dogs also!

Homemade Flax Seed Dog Biscuits

by White on Rice Couple

12 oz (340g) whole wheat flour
12oz (340g) bread flour
2 oz (55g) wheat germ
1 t (5g) salt
2T (30g) brown sugar
3-4T Flax Seed (optional)
3 eggs
1c (240ml) vegetable oil
3oz (85g) powdered dry milk
1c (240ml) water

1. Combine wheat flour, bread flour, wheat germ, salt, and brown sugar, and flax seed in mixing bowl. Stir in eggs and vegetable oil.

2. Dissolve dry milk in water then incorporate the mixture.

3. Mix to form a very firm dough that is smooth and workable. Adjust by adding a little extra flour or water as required.

4. Cover the dough and set aside to relax for 15-20 min.

5. Roll the dough out to 1/2″ (1.2cm) thick. Cut out biscuits using a bone-shaped cutter 3″x1.5″ (7.5×3.7cm). Place the biscuits on sheet pans lined with baking paper.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approx. 40 minutes or until biscuits are brown and, more importantly, rock-hard. Let biscuits cool, then store in a covered container five to six feet off the flour. Use as needed to reward your four-legged friends.)

ALEXIS NOTES: I doubled the recipe so I had enough for everyone. I didn't have wheat germ on hand so you can just switch out with flour. I will pick some up next time I'm in the bulk section. I did use the Flax Seed (4 Tb suggested). I found to make them on the thick side and my oven only took about 21 minutes to cook.

I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tuesday at the Table, Delectable Tuesday and Delicious Dishes.

Santa Pancakes just in time for Christmas

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas ... well at least for the kids mom is a little on the ba hum bug mode :). So I thought for dinner (yes I said dinner - we do breakfast for dinner every once in a while) the kids would love these!

The recipe called for pancakes so I went on search for a new recipe :).

Gooey Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Pancakes

by PickyPlate.com

4 Tablespoons melted butter ½ Cup half and half ½ Cup milk 2 eggs 1 ¼ Cups whole wheat flour 2 Tablespoons sugar 3 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¾ Cup semi sweet chocolate chips 1 Cup mini marshmallows

Pure maple syrup Pads of butter if desired Handful of mini marshmallows to sprinkle on top Handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top

1. Place melted butter, half and half, milk and eggs into a medium bowl, stir to combine and set aside. Place flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Stir to combine.

2. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently stir in chocolate chips and marshmallows.

3. Preheat a griddle or large skillet that’s been sprayed with cooking spray over medium low heat. In batches, pour about ¼ Cup (or more if you like larger pancakes) batter onto griddle/skillet. Cook both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 1-2 minutes per side.

4. Pour warm pure maple syrup over pancakes and serve with pads of butter, additional marshmallows and chocolate chips if desired.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used fat free half and half, sugar substitute and mini chocolate chips (left over from my baking this week).

Now to make the Santa Pancakes!

Santa Pancakes

by MakeanTakes.com

You need:

• pancakes
• mini marshmallows
• something red and brown (mini M&Ms or craisins and raisins)
• syrup for glue
• white “glue” such as cream cheese, whipped cream, or marshmallow creme
• red jam
• leaf cookie cutter (optional)

For Santa:

Make pancakes, then use one as face. Cut hat out of another pancake.

Cut a mini marshmallow in half for whites of eyes, and lay on pancake sticky side up. Affix the marshmallows to the pancake with a dab of syrup. Put brown mini M&Ms on marshmallows for pupils. Dab syrup and place red M&M for nose.

Cut mini marshmallow almost in half and spread out for mustache. Place craisin on pancake for lip, and put mustache over craisin.

Spread cream cheese around face for beard base. Place marshmallows on top of cream cheese (I tried this without the cream cheese, but it seemed like WAY too many marshmallows! Sugar overload!) You could also use whipped cream or marshmallow creme for his beard.

Spread jam on hat and place a row of marshmallows for brim of hat and pom-pom of hat.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used whip cream as the "glue", red m&m and I had a shooting star cookie cutter I used.

Time to Keep Your Tummy Warm!

I've shown you how to make your toes and hand warm it's time to show you how to keep your tummy warm! Now you know who you are the people who love to play or work outside in all weather conditions. The thing about being outside for a long period of time you can either become chilly or overheated. Having a beverage on hand is a must! To keep your item hot or cold is something that is hard to find. Well hold on I have found Thermos that can keep your item at the right temperature for 24 hours. Then the fun part you get to pick a design, the only thing that is hard is there is so MANY to choose from. It may take you a while but you will find exactly what you want or for the person you're buying for.

Some fun facts:

• TherMax® double-wall vacuum insulation helps retain temperature
• Keeps beverages hot or cold for 24 hours
• convenient twist & pour stopper for easy serving
• 4.3 W x 4.2 D x 12.3 H
• Unbreakable 18/8 stainless steel interior & exterior
• Made by Thermos®
• Hand wash only

When it's cold outside:

Make yourself something warm!

BUY IT: Head over to Cafe Press for this Eco-Friendly bottle that keeps 34 oz (hot or cold). $36. (HINT - Upgrade now on Premium Shipping. Take $15 off a $75 order)

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Of course a recipe to go with your new Thermos!

Candy Cane Cocoa Mix

• 1 1/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar free peppermint candy, coarsely crushed
• Splenda sugar substitute (optional)
• peppermint stick candy, optional garnish

1. 1In a food processor stir together dry milk powder, cocoa powder.
2. 2Process until well blended.
3. 3Stir in the crushed candies.
4. 4FOR EACH SERVING:.
5. 5Place 2 Tbsp (or as much as you like) mix in a mug.
6. 6Gradually add 1 cup boiling water, stirring constantly until crushed candy melts.

A Gift to Keep a Loved One Toasty (or of course yourself) ....

Do you know someone how works outside year round? Or heck even when taking the dog for a walk I need a little warmth. Oh yes there are you NUTTY people that think snow is fun and actually spend hours out playing in it, yes I think you're all crazy. I would be in the lodge with my hot cocoa! But for all you that either are outside or know someone that does I have the perfect stocking stuffer for you to pick up! HeatMax has so many options that can fit anyones needs. They have these great little toasti toes that come in a small size that last up to 6 Hours and a large insole size that last up to 9 Hours! Yup those are for those crazy people that are out there for hours :). My dad is the perfect person for this stocking stuffer, he's always out side tinkering on the hottub or his smoke house. And for us who like to keep our hands warm you can get hand warmers that last up to 10 Hours that can fit in your gloves! Oh yes now that is what I'm talking about when I go outside to watch the kids play in the snow ... or while I wait for the car to warm up to take Cole to school. But wait I have one more and you know why I love this one it LAST up to 18 Hours!!!! Oh yes it's perfect it's larger and can keep your hands & Body warm. Yup I found a winner!

So When it looks like this outside:

Stock up for yourself and loved ones with these!

You all know you need a few extra gifts to fill the stocking! For around $2 you can make someone's day warm and in my life that means the world! Coming from the girl that always sleeps with long johns :). Now don't waste a moment head over and pick up some Hand Warmers & Foot Warmers!!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Toasty Feet Make me do a Happy Feet Dance!

It's chilly out there did you get the memo? I didn't and then all of a sudden I'm looking for wool socks and a blanket. The only thing about my wool socks is they get a little bulky and in the way. What was I thinking? When I worked at a normal office they paid the heat bill ... hehe now I work from home and I pay the bill so me being cheap looks for things to keep me warm that won't cost me an arm and a leg. I was super excited when I came across a Under Desk Heater that fit perfect for my needs. This is perfect gift for anyone with a home office. It fit nicely under my desk (uh hum ... after I actually cleaned under there) and plugged it in (flipped the on switch) and I tada toasty toes! The nice thing about it is if your feet get too warm you just either flip the switch or take them off the pad. No pulling on and off the socks and trying to find the one the dog wandered off with (hehe).

And now Rick isn't worried I may burn the house down with my space heater (that I always forgot to turn off). Get this it even lowers your energy cost, yes I'm all about the money saving tips! Plus nothing is better then running your feet on carpet that is warm!!! No home office? Well think of those poor people that work on concrete floors! Yup no matter what time of the year that floor is cold, and with the dual heat control you can use the lower setting during the summer months.

When it looks like this outside!

Be warm like this inside!!

Head over to WarmlyYours to check out the warming pad along with other awesome things like floor heating for Hardwood! And for you who get slammed hard with snow they even have items for driveways, walkways and Stairs!

Oh yes we can be like the rich and famous with out paying those prices!

Disclosure – The product featured in this review was provided to me free of charge, by the manufacturer or representing PR agency. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.