Argh, wrapping presents it is so messy it’s maddening. There must be a better way.
First, I must cut the fabric with my handy pizza cutter.
Avoid pinning yourself to the fabric.
Now, to the great machine!
Next, flip the bag right-side out
Ta-da! Now I have lots of bags to use each year for Christmas
The adoring teddy bear prince calls to his lady-love to let down her hair
Introducing the dollhouse! My father built this dollhouse for me when I was little and we have been working on it ever since. My favorite room of the whole house has always been the children’s nursery room. There are so many opportunities for creative whimsy. The stuffed animals, dolls, and even a piggy bank take on a secrete life in a child’s imagination.
Tiny Hippo Decorates Christmas Tree
What is this?
A delicious tree just for me?
Ick, why would it taste so nasty?
I must season this tree, a sting of popcorn will be the perfect start!
Even distribution of the popcorn is key.
Oh dear, but a tiny hippo must have no fear!
Some candy canes and gum drops will go nicely with the salty popcorn.
Some of my expertly decorated gingerbread cookies go on next.
Lastly, top it all off with a sugary star!
What a delectable treat, I mean tree, just for me.
With all the homes I visit during the holiday season it is great to have a delightful treat to offer my hosts. There is no better sweet treat than these homemade apple cider caramels!
Behold! These lovely caramels are a hit for anyone who tries them, and they look so cute in a little bowl or a mason jar with a twine bow.
This awesome apple cider caramel recipe comes from a great blog, Blondie’s Cakes and Things. The recipe is easy to follow with no alterations or additions needed, be sure to wear your protective goggles while stirring the bubbling candies. When you select an apple cider for making these little gems don’t buy the cheap stuff. I used apple cider from our local orchard because Wilson’s Apple Orchard makes divine cider, and it is a great place for a family outing, see my Tiny Hippo at the Apple Orchard post.
Once your awesome caramels have cooled its time to turn them into perfect little presents that all your buddies will love!
Alright, remove the caramels from the pan using the parchment paper. While you may be tempted to wrap this huge block up and keep it for yourself willpower must prevail.
Instead of scarfing down the whole block of caramel, divide it into even rectangles or squares using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter
Now for the fun part! Set up a work station for the caramel wrapping extravaganza. You will need the cut caramels, rectangles of wax paper, and a neat surface to roll up the caramel in paper.
Once your lovely caramels have been wrapped up safe and sound, all that is left is for you to take them to all those fancy parties where it is only proper to give a great gift.
I hope that you try these great caramels and take them with you when you visit friends and family this season.
Halloween is a very fun time of year and nothing adds to the spirit of the season like a good pumpkin carving. However, to properly create the best jack-o-lantern, one must follow some key rules of safe laboratory etiquette.
First off, sterilize all your instruments.
Carefully lower your instruments into the cleaning fluid
Oops, too many bubbles!
Lay out all your clean tools, an organized scientist is a good scientist
Prepare the patient for the operation
Now, don your protective eye ware
Make the incisions for opening the gourd
Excavate the subject, this will be messy
Now, carefully make your cuts
Next, set the experiment aglow!
Finally, bask in the splendor of your creation
There is nothing better than an experiment well done, and a new friend to show for it
Meanderings Abound 