Winter 2013
Kreative Living
TM
Quarterly
Faux Snowballs Christmas Wish List p. 16 A Shopping Guide for the Perfect Gift
Starting on Page 10
Christmas Pudding Bites German Pancakes Christmas Truffles Light Chocolate Cake
From The Editor The official start of winter isn’t until December 22nd, but I bet most of you are getting a blast of chilly weather already. If you’re anything like me, then you definitely were not prepared for a new season so soon. To keep warm this winter I plan on lighting my fireplace, drinking lots of apple cider, and wearing the warmest, fuzziest socks I own. I will do anything to keep warm. Along with the colder weather, of course, comes a lot of baking. I just love the smell of freshly baked cookies, cakes, and breads! Who doesn’t, right? Well, this issue of KLQ is jammed-packed with all types of yummy, goodness for you! You’ll get great winter recipes for cakes, cookies, and even truffles. Along with all of the recipes, you’ll find some great tutorials that you can do on those chilly snow days. Whatever you do this season, make sure you take the time to enjoy your friends and family! Until next time, remember to always Live Life Kreatively!
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1 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
WHAT YOU SAID What is your favorite holiday dish to eat? Butternut squash casserole. - Monique I don’t have one favorite. I like string beans, mac n cheese, collard greens, potato salad, and ham! - Karolyn Sweet potato pie. - Shayla
When do you start decorating for the holidays? Thanksgiving weekend, but this year I suggested we put the tree up a couple of weeks early, but not decorate it to get the puppy used to it. I’m hoping she doesn’t notice the ornaments after the tree is there a couple of weeks. - OTC
If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas (money is not an issue), what would it be? A paid vacation back home to Italy for Tuition for grad school. A larger home. - Kris Ann me and the family. - Leigh - Melissa For my kids to be happy. For everyone to get along with each other in 2014. - Joyce - Diane Do you buy your Christmas Tree a) real or b) artificial? Do you prefer to host a holiday gathering or be a guest? Why?
86%
A whopping of respondents will purchase an artificial tree this Christmas!
I don’t think I’m a good host, because I’m kind of boring, lol.. Plus when I’m ready to be alone, I can just leave and go home... Annnnd take a couple of plates! - Maritza Hosting because I enjoy cooking and pampering my guests. - Craftsrtherapy During a snow day, do you prefer to a) stay inside. keeping warm and cozy, b) have a family snowball fight, c) go sledding, d) or cuddle up with a good book and some hot chocolate?
60% of you would choose to stay inside, keeping warm and cozy compared to 20% who would rather have a family snowball fight.
Contributing Writers Hi! I’m Becky from Love to be in the Kitchen. I am a mom to 2 adorable little boys and am married to the best recipe tester a girl could ask for! I love to bake and create in the kitchen. New recipe ideas are constantly on my mind. On my blog I share quick and delicious recipes that are easy on your budget. Follow Becky: Blog Facebook Twitter Pinterest G+
Holly Bertone is originally from Waynesboro, PA. She is the CEO and President of Pink Fortitude, LLC, a company dedicated to promoting inspiration and positive self-esteem to cancer survivors and ALL women. She recently published her first book, “Coconut Head’s Cancer Survival Guide”, and is passionate about connecting with all women on various topics including design, DIY, recipes, healthy living, family and lifestyle, and of course, breast cancer. Holly is married to a retired Green Beret, is a stepmother, and lives in Alexandria, VA. Follow Holly: Blog G+ Pinterest Email
Julie Cramer is a freelance journalist, blogger and all-round foodie. She loves cooking simple, seasonal, healthy food for her family but doesn’t like being chained to the kitchen for hours on end. All the recipes on her lifestyle blog, Life and Chai, are quick and simple to make, and very often contain an interesting mix of spices. This Christmas she’ll be relaxing with her family at her home on the east Kent coast in the UK, probably eating too much, and taking long walks on cold, windy beaches. Follow Julie: Blog Facebook Twitter Pinterest 3 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS My name is Cara Kueck and I am a writer at Craft Dictator. Craft Dictator is a craft/diy blog that is co-written by my mother (Rhonda) and myself. We mainly write about crafting and diy projects, but occasionally there are some recipes also! We have been crafting since I can remember and it is one of our favorite hobbies! We’ve also started doing a lot of repurposing of things we find at restores and estate sales! We’d love for you to come check out our projects! Follow Cara: Blog Facebook Twitter Pinterest G+ Bloglovin
Cindy is the creative quirk behind Little Miss Celebration. She’s not going to make your house ready to be photographed for Elle Décor, have you set to audition for Top Chef or transform you into a mini Martha. However, she’s crafted, baked and created her through three decades of marriage, 2 kids, thousands of celebrations and enough glitter to make 99% of the country sparkle. Cindy is addicted to books, magazines, craft supplies, beauty products, Pinterest, and Christmas – not necessarily in that order! At Little Miss Celebration, Cindy shares ideas, projects and recipes to help craft everything you celebrate by the motto “Get your glue guns, glitter and laughter locked and loaded!” Follow Cindy: Blog Facebook Twitter Pinterest G+ Bloglovin
Nikki Rex is a crafter/party designer/blogger who lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, daughter, dog and cat. By day, she works in Creative Development for Dell, Inc and by night she writes, crafts and designs party printables. Nikki’s blog, Flairy Tales, celebrates the fun and pretty details of everyday life by sharing free printables, tips and ideas. Whether it’s adding an easy, personalized touch to a gift or turning a an ordinary movie night into a special event, she believes there’s always a way to turn your everyday story into a Flairy Tale. Follow Nikki: Blog Facebook Twitter
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hi. My Name is Trine and I blog over at Creative Pink Butterfly. My blog is about cooking, crafting, sewing, organizing, decorating and more! In October I created a blog planner, with lots of different printables that can be downloaded for free. In December I will be mostly posting Christmas baking recipes. Follow Trine: Blog Facebook Bloglovin
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Anyonita is an American expat living in rainy Manchester, England with her husband & 2-year-old son. She is a former journalist and news photographer and she blogs at Anyonita Nibbles, where she is obsessed with flavorful food. In addition to blogging, Anyonita develops recipes for a number of well-known companies in the UK and abroad such as Heinz, Actimel, Thornton’s and Twining’s. When Anyonita isn’t blogging, she enjoys traveling, knitting and hanging out with her boys. I’m also a big social media lover.
Linda is the wonderful founder and crafter over at Crafts a la mode. Follow Linda: Blog Facebook Twitter Pinterest Bloglovin
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Kreative Living Quarterly™ All Rights Reserved © 2013 Kreative Living Quarterly™ 5 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
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In This Issue 8 Christmas Traditions
23 Tips to Ring In 2014 at Home
10 Pudding Bites 12 German Pancakes with Berries
26 Winter Wonderland: A Collection of Recipes, Crafts, Decor, Traditions, Wreaths, and Ornaments
14 Christmas Truffles
40 Homemade Vanilla
15 Light Chocolate Cake
42 Twas the Night Before Christmas Mouse
16 Christmas Wish List: A Shopping Guide for the Perfect Gift
45 Faux Snowballs
In Every Issue 1 From The Editor 2 What You Said 3 Contributing Writers 47 Kreative Corner
7 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
Christmas Traditions By Holly
Family traditions are like a cup of hot chocolate. They are comforting to the soul. Eyes will roll and teens or spouses will think they are silly. But fast forward in time, and these family members will fondly reflect on those same traditions. When my mother was a little girl, her father was the town’s Santa Claus. Christmas was always a special time for her and her siblings. And my mother passed it on to me.
I grew up with the same family traditions for 40 years. I never missed a Christmas at my parent’s home. I never missed a Christmas Eve service. My mother always went overboard at Christmas. Our home twinkled and sparkled, was decked in holiday swag, smelled of Christmas scented candles, and was filled with the joyous sounds of our favorite Christmas records.
We baked and decorated sugar cookies made from my Grandmother’s recipe. Memories of family members lingered with each story of Christmas past. Memories of Hattie cat carrying around the Baby Jesus from the Nativity Scene. Sitting on the stairs of my Aunt June’s house for the extended family picture. The kitchen door displaying cards sent with love from friends and family.
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS These traditions DEFINED Christmas throughout my entire life. Christmas 2010. I was going through chemotherapy and was too sick to do anything. There were no traditions fulfilled. I ate Santa-shaped Jello and slept through the majority of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But I was with family. It was that year I realized Christmas will still go on, even without all of the traditions of my youth. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. Christmas is about the love of family. Christmas 2011. We had just moved to the Homestead. Instead of decorating and participating in traditional festivities, we unpacked. It was another non-eventful Christmas. But we survived. Fast forward to Christmas 2013. We are finally settled. It’s time for the pendulum to shift. It’s time for me to take on new traditions for my own family. I’ve gone all out just like my mother did for so many years, and eyes have rolled. I just smile, because I know that we will define the memories of tomorrow by the laughter and traditions of today. Christmas is about love. Because LOVE was born on Christmas day.
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Christmas Pudding Bites
These cute little Christmas puddings are great for party buffets, or as a sweet little novelty bite alongside your festive drink of choice.
By Julie They’re made from entirely wholefood ingredients (apart from the white chocolate ganache topping – well it is Christmas after all!) and can be created in no time at all in a food processor. You don’t even have to bake them – just hand roll into balls and pop them into the fridge until you’re ready to serve them. They look really pretty when laid out on a plate or platter. I love all the sweet-spicy flavours of Christmas pudding, but really find it quite heavy to eat. These little bites are flavoured with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and orange, and they’re rich in dried fruit and nuts.
They’ll last for a couple of weeks stored in an airtight container in the fridge, although in reality they’re unlikely to last that long! They also make great little healthy and appealing snacks for kids, as a break from all
that sugar they’re most likely to be eating over the Christmas period. Leave some out for Santa on Christmas Eve, along with a glass of milk. I’m sure they’ll be gone by Christmas morning.
PUDDING BITES Ingredients (Makes 12 small balls) 1/2 Cup Prunes, Soaked in Warm Water 30 minutes 5 Large Dates (Medjool dates are the plumpest) 1/2 Cup Pecans, Roughly Chopped 1/3 Cup Ground Almonds 1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon 1/4 Tsp. Nutmeg Juice of Half an Orange Optional: 1 Tsp. of Orange Zest A Splash of Vanilla Essence For Ganache Topping 1 Oz. White Chocolate 1 1/2 Tbsp. Double Cream Directions Coarsely chop the soaked prunes and the dates and add to the food processor. While running the processor, slowly add the chopped pecans and ground almonds, as well as the spices and vanilla essence (and the orange zest if desired).
Use your hands to roll the mixture into little balls. This mixture should produce 12 small balls, or nine medium-sized balls. Leave to chill in the fridge while you make the ganache. Put the white chocolate pieces in a bowl and warm in 10-second bursts in the microwave until it’s completely melted, then stir in the double cream. Allow to cool slightly before dipping half of each pudding ball into the ganache. Garnish with half a sweet cranberry or a goji berry and then return to the fridge until the ganache has completely set. I enjoy these little bites at room temperature alongside a small glass of port. Happy Christmas!
Slowly add the freshly-squeezed orange juice a little at a time. This helps to slightly loosen the mixture so it binds, but you don’t want it to get too wet. After a few minutes the ingredients should start to bind together as one mound (it should resemble a dough ball). When this happens it’s time to turn the processor off. You should have a firm dough that’s not too dry and not too soft.
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By Becky Breakfast is now a favorite meal of mine. We often have breakfast for dinner. This is all thanks to my husband who loves anything breakfast related especially if there are eggs involved. Another awesome thing about breakfast for dinner is that it is usually quick to make! This recipe is perfect for either breakfast or breakfast for dinner. It is quick to make and bakes up in the oven in only 25 minutes. This would be a perfect breakfast for Christmas morning. It is so pretty too! Top it with your favorite berries, a little powdered sugar and whipped cream and you have a lovely breakfast! This is a fun dish for kids to help make. They can easily help mix up the ingredients and enjoy seeing it puff up as it cooks.
GERMAN PANCAKES Ingredients: ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour, Sifted 3 Large Gggs, Lightly Beaten ½ Cup Milk ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract 3 Tablespoons Melted Butter ¼ Teaspoon Salt Optional: Mixed Berries, Powdered Sugar, Whipped Cream, Syrup, etc. for Serving
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch oven safe skillet with butter and set aside. Gradually add flour to beaten eggs, mix with a fork. Stir in milk, vanilla extract, butter, and salt. Pour batter into prepared skillet. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve warm with berries and other desired toppings. (Recipe is slightly adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod)
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Christmas By Truffles Anyonita
Ingredients: 1 part Chocolate + More 2 Parts Double or Heavy Cream Optional: Edible Glitter, Sprinkles, Food Coloring, Coarse Salt, etc. Directions Place the chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water. Stir the chocolate gently and steadily with a rubber spatula. Use a candy thermometer and bring the heat of the chocolate to 110F/ 43C. Immediately remove form the heat
These truffles are amazing and so festive! Most people associate truffles with Christmas, but these have taken it one step further and they are sprinkled with festive Christmas sprinkles. Made with milk chocolate, they are easy to make and will look great on a holiday dessert table. I first learned to make truffles in a conference room at a hotel in Manchester, England. Fifteen of us assembled around a series of tables while a chocolatier educated us on the history of chocolate making and the commercialization of chocolate around the world. After our history lesson was over, we had a quick tasting session: raw cacao, various strengths of dark chocolate, milk and white chocolate and cacao nibs. After a hands-on lesson in tempering chocolate, we made giant chocolate buttons with marbled chocolate through them. Next came the lesson in truffle making. It was messy, it wasn’t as tricky as I thought it would be and it was fun and purely entertaining. That’s the recipe I’m going to share with you.
and add chunks of the remaining chocolate to bring the mixture down quickly. You want the chocolate to be a 84F or 29C. Once the chocolate has been tempered, add the cream and stir well. Sprinkle your work station with credit cocoa powder. Put the cream and chocolate mixture into a piping bag and pipe small mounds of truffle onto a paper-lined baking tray. Roll each mound in the cocoa powder before dunking each truffle in the melted chocolate. Allow the truffles to set before decorating them however you see fit.
Light Chocolate Cake By Trine
I am super excited to be sharing the tastiest light chocolate cake I have ever eaten. I was originally going to make brownies, but I only had light chocolate and I changed a lot of the original recipe and this bundle of moist cake was born. I think its perfect to serve just as it is. It is so moist, super tasty and a light dessert. If you wish you can also add chocolate cream on top and decorate with Christmas candy or with ice
Ingredients: 2 Oz. Light Chocolate 3/4 Cup Butter 1 Cup Sugar 3 Eggs 1 Cup Flour 2 Tbs. Vanilla A Pinch of Salt
frosting.
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 340F. 2. Add butter and chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan with simmering water until in melts. 3. Pour the mixture into a bowl. 4. Whisk in sugar. 5. Whisk in one egg at a time. 6. In a bowl mix flour, vanilla and salt. 7. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture a bit at a time, whisking thoroughly in between. 8. Spread a thin layer of butter using a tissue to the brownies pan. 9. Put in the oven for about 20 minutes. 10. When it is done, let it rest for a few minutes before eating. 15 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
Christmas Wish List A Shopping Guide For The Perfect Gift
Bing Art
Product Name: Eve Price: $34.95 Description: Size- 5� x 7� (12.7cm x 17.78cm) Materials: Professional Grade Oil Paints, Canvas Panel, Impasto Medium **Certificate of Authenticity Included**
Blade Scrap Designs Product Name: Pendants, Keychains, Emblems Price: $40-$400 Description: Hand cut and forged. As the work is all done by hand, no two are the same. The majority of the items are custom made.
Colour Moon
Product Name: I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause Print Price: $17.00 Description: 8x12 - A4 - 21x30 cm Art Print
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The Columbia Fragrance Co.
Product Name: Pinecone Firestarter Gift Baket Price: $15.00 Description: This small basket includes 6 colorful cones in the scent of your choice. The basket is shrink wrapped, topped with a holiday bow, and includes a custom gift card. Three additional sizes are available.
Custom Event Designs
Product Name: Treats In a Jar Price: $12.00 Description: Enjoy holiday gifts in a jar. Order your hot cocoa mix, cookies for Santa cookie mix, and other items for the Christmas holiday. They make great gifts for kids, parties, and teachers.
Darling and Dapper Bows
Product Name: Bow Ties Price: $5.00 Description: Available in small and large sizes. Small size is 3.5” wide x 2” high and suitable for children ages birth to about 8. Large size is 5” wide x 2.5” high and suitable for ages 8 to adults.
Dcreated Product Name: Red Chevron Print Diaper Clutch Price: $50.00 Description: This set includes three pieces: Diaper Clutch- Large roomy pockets for diapers; coordinating wipes case with wrist strap for easy carrying. Changing pad- Soft padded batting; waterproof fabric; easily cleaned. Wipes case- Covered with a cotton fabric and trimmed with coordinating ribbon.
Kirameku
Product Name: Pink Champagne Ring Price: $13.50 Description: Pink Champagne Ring: Made out of high quality Czech glass with the Appollo finish. Transparent finish on one side and a pink golden on the other. This cute pattern is made on an expandable ring, silver plated, nickel and lead free.
Rakunshop
Product Name: Embroidered Snowflake Necklace Price: $25.00 Description: Frosty snowflake necklace will warm your heart! Original snowflake design is embroidered on cotton and secured on a sweet 1.25� embroidery hoop inspired pendant. The back of the pendant has coordinating vintage pale blue striped cotton.
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Winter 2013
Silk Spa Creations
Product Name: Silk Candles Price: $5.00-$10.00 Description: ~ Candles that melt into a pool of oil, you can use as lotion for your skin. Made with natural ingredients and scented with essential oils! ~ 4oz- $5, 8oz-$10
Starlite Card Favors
Product Name: Personalized Printable Cards Price: $20.00-$24.00 Description: Submit your photo and personal greeting, proof is sent to you, and once you approve, you receive your high resolution printable file via email so that you can print as many as you wish on your own wherever you wish.
Think Eco 2
Product Name: Handmade Wooden Wine Box Rustic, Reclaimed, Upcycled Cedar Price: $30.00 Description: Our handmade recycled cedar wine gift box. It is a unique and thoughtful gift. ThinkEco² liquor and wine gift boxes are perfect gifts under $50.
This Girl Design
Product Name: “Running in Circles� Personalized Blogger Template Price: $40.00 Description: This blog template is minimalistic, light and airy, perfect for all lovers of the bold and simple design with decent touches of stylish handwriting font and circle and square elements. Perfect for a subtle, personalized blog makeover!
TriaDesigns
Product Name: Doughnut Cherry Earrings Price: $10.65 Description: Yummy! Approx. 1.5cm round cherry flavour donuts with black and white chocolate coating as earrings. With lots of love for details. Handmade with polymer clay.
BabyBottomsBoutique
Product Name: Elle Berry Cream Tutu Price: $32.00 Description: This is a beautiful, tutu made from tulle. The colors in this particular one are a raspberry cream mix. All tutus are custom hand-made and used with any color combinations if desired. Ribbon tied at the waist gives that beautiful bow finish at the end.
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The Love Nerds
Product Name: Personalized Name Art with Established Date Price: $30-$40 Description: Celebrate the love of family with this personalized framed name art! This sentimental gift can be customized in any way: size, color, even wording.
Green Earth Goodness Product Name: Soap Making Supplies Price: $22-$60 Description: We offer a Beginner’s Soap Making Kit, Lip Balm Kit, Bath Bomb Kit, and a Lotion Kit. Each kit comes with a detailed e-book with instructions. Enter Coupon Code 122313 for a discount, now through December 23, 2013. Green Earth Goodness believes in giving back and 10% of all sales go to Prostate Cancer Awareness.
Sharon Glanville
Product Name: Christmas Gift Tags Price: $4.00 Description: Christmas gift tags digital downloads; designs vary
By Cindy 23 Kreative Living Quarterly
Winter 2013
Another year is almost over! It doesn’t seem
NEW YEAR’S EVE
turn up the volume later! Want to have the possible that 2013 will be in the history books in perfect party music? When you invite your guests, just a few short weeks and we’ll be ask each one to send you a list of their five welcoming 2014. There is something special favorite songs. Put together a playlist of all the about New Year’s Eve – a reflection of years gone music or enlist a friend to help. You’ll be sure to by and fresh anticipation of the year ahead. It’s have music everyone will love! the perfect time to gather with family and friends, put on a little razzle dazzle and ring in the New Pick a color scheme for your table and repurpose Year together – at home! Whether you have a holiday ornaments or take advantage of aftercasual party, a sit-down dinner, a fun sleepover Christmas sales for ribbon. Ribbon can go a with the kids or a quiet evening for two, long way to make everything New Year’s festive! entertaining at home for New Year’s is so much Elevate plain white tablecloths by running ribbon fun! down the center for color and sparkle. Tie ribbon My hubby and I have always celebrated New Year’s Eve either at home or at the home of family. 2014 will be our thirty-second time ringing in a New Year together. Wait, is that right? It is! Through holidays with babies, casual evenings, and dinner parties for 16 or more, we’ve had our share of missteps, mayhem and just plain fun along the way – plus created some tips and ideas to share with you! Have little ones? Team up with friends or family that have children the same age. Get the children tucked in and then have fun making a grown-up meal together. Keep it easy with simple sides and dessert. Boil some lobsters or steam some shrimp, sit down and enjoy! Don’t usually do dinner parties? New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to start! Most of us don’t have a dining room table large enough to seat more than 10, right? Add a long, folding table to the end of your dining table or place one or more off in a T-shape. Add folding chairs. Use matching tablecloths and the tables will flow! Have music playing low throughout dinner and
around the backs of chair into big bows – even folding chairs will seem special. Use ribbon as napkins rings! New Year’s Eve is the time to pull out the china, crystal and silver! Don’t have enough for all the guests you want to invite? Borrow from friends – mix and match. White dishes go with everything! Alternate place settings for a table that’s interesting and eclectic. Have a little something fun for your guests! This is a photo from a few years ago – see the little colored things on the plates? I found these on QVC! They were actually blinking light buttons that attached to clothes with magnets. Everyone wore them all night and loved them!
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Have a Make Your Own New Year’s hat making session! Buy inexpensive party hats and put out glitter, sequins, letters and any fun craft supplies you have on hand. Grab the camera for a fun photo op! Give a small prize for the most creative, funniest or silliest hat. Whether your celebration is small, large or somewhere in the middle, a small favor is always a great way to let your guests know how special they are! Some easy ideas: • The music playlist you put together for the party or dinner? Burn a CD for each guest or couple with a label that commemorates the evening! • Food favors are always appreciated! All those great packaged foods for Christmas are now 5070% off and make perfect favors! Jars of fancy nuts, little boxes of candy, hot chocolate and marshmallows to the cold start of the New Year – all make great party favors! • If you have time and feel creative, make everyone a “Dreams and Aspirations” jar to fill with slips of paper where they write their hopes and dreams for 2014. • Forgo the ribbon napkin rings and make these to double as napkin rings and favors. Take heavy gauge floral wire, bend into a heart shape and thread with inexpensive “pearls” from the craft store. Tie on a shimmery white ribbon and share a little affection and love with friends and family to kick off the New Year.
Bake or buy a fabulous cake! Plan to serve coffee and dessert after the midnight toast! Have small take-out containers for guests that would like to take their dessert home or pack up a little box of leftovers for a New Year’s Day treat. Enjoy the season, cherish moments with family and friends, wish a fond farewell to 2013 and start the New Year in the best place on earth – right at home, with those you love! Have a joyous, happy and blessed holiday!
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5
F
Winter 5 C Wonderland CA Collection Of Recipes Crafts Decor Traditions Wreaths Ornaments
F
k
Ornaments
Dear Hear Ornament by Busy Being Jennifer
Christmas Lollipop Ornament by Life on Lakeshore Drive
Homemade Christmas Ornaments by In The Kitchen With Jenny Cinnamon Applesauce Ornament by Life on Lakeshore Drive
5 Ways To Spruce Up Ornaments by Second Chance To Dream
Mustache Ornament by Busy Being Jennifer
27 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
Ornament Decorations by Life on Lakeshore Drive
Wreaths
Dollar Store Ornament Wreath by Second Chance To Dream
Sheet Music Ornaments by This and That
Washi Tape Nativity Ornament by Second Chance To Dream
Burlap Candy Cane Wreath by Life on Lakeshore Drive
Wrapping Paper Wreath by Second Chance To Dream
Traditions
Decor
The Sparkle Box by de Jong Dream House
Christmas Mantel by Second Chance To Dream
Reading Countdown To Christmas by 365ish Days of Christmas
Winter Front Porch by Second Chance To Dream
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Winter 2013
Holiday Food
Candy Cane White Chocolate Cookies by Confessions of a Baking Queen
Apple Spiced Cupcakes w. Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting by From Gate To Plate
Caramel Apple Cider by O Taste and See
Candy Cane Meringue Kisses by This and That
Christmas Funfetti Cookies by Love To Be In The Kitchen
Christmas Snowman Cookie Pops by Slick Housewives
Christmas White Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods by The Kitchen is My Playground
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies by Life, Love, and Sugar
Eggnog French Toast by Living Better Together
Christmas Tree Dessert by Kiddie Foodies Grinch Fruit Kabobs by Mission: To Save
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Kid Fun Christmas Cookies by Happy and Blessed Home
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars by From Gate To Plate
Linzer Cookies by Food Done Light
Peppermint Bark by So There.
Peppermint Brownie Ice Cream Cake by Life, Love, and Sugar
Pumpkin Bars w. Cream Cheese Frosting by From Gate To Plate
Pumpkin Bread Pudding by Food Done Light
Santa Claus Sandwich by Kiddie Foodies
Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies by This and That
Snowman Dinner by Kiddie Foodies
Scandinavian Spice Cookies by This and That
Snowman Fruit Desserts by Kiddie Foodies
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Snowman Snack by Kiddie Foodies
Toffee Brittle Dipped In Milk Chocolate by Confessions of a Baking Queen
Whipped Cream Spoons by O Taste and See Soft Sugar Cookies by LeMoine Family Kitchen
Crafts
Christmas Countdown Blocks by Soda Pop Ave.
Christmas Advent Calendar by Soda Pop Ave.
Crochet Popcorn Cowl Pattern by Busy Being Jennifer
Christmas Burlap Placemats by Second Chance To Dream DIY Cheap Advent Calendar by Coffee With Us 3
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Easy No-Sew Christmas Pillow Decor by Life on Lakeshore Drive
Snowman Favors by Spaceships and Laserbeams
Reindeer Drink Stirrers by Spaceships and Laserbeams
Thank You Santa Plate by Soda Pop Ave.
Santa’s Belt Buckle Party Favor by Spaceships and Laserbeams
New Year’s Eve Appetizers
Best Corn Dip by Memories By The Mile
Asian-Style Meatballs by LeMoine Family Kitchen
Brie Bundles w. Homemade Fig Jam by LeMoine Family Kitchen
Whipped Feta Crostini by One Little Project at a Time
Bacon, Tomato, and Cheese Cups by Call Me PMC
Home For The Holidays Cheese Ball by Memories By The Mile
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Peppermint Crusted Brownies by The Pinning Mama
New Year’s Eve Chocolate Covered Oreos by Love To Be In The Kitchen
Triple Chocolate Almond Creme Brulee by The Frugal Foodie Momma
Sausage and Cheese Cups by Call Me PMC
Chicken Pasta w. Champagne Cream Sauce by The Frugal Foodie Momma
Shrimp Cheddar Cheese Ball by Memories By The Mile
Free Printables
The 12 Letters of Christmas by Soda Pop Ave.
Christmas Printables by Second Chance To Dream
2014 Yearly Planner by Soda Pop Ave.
Santa Letter by Prototype Mama
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Winter 2013
Homemade Vanilla By Cara
I then added my vodka. This time I decided to use vanilla vodka to give it a little boost of extra vanilla. I mainly did this because I was starting the vanilla later than I had hoped.
This year I decided I wanted to make my family all homemade gifts! This might have been a little bit of an undertaking but I’ve been working hard to get it all done! One of the gifts I decided to make was homemade vanilla! I read about it a couple years ago and made some for myself, but I thought that this would be a perfect gift for some of the bakers in my life! Making homemade vanilla is extremely easy! You only need Vanilla Beans and Vodka. So the first thing you want to do is get some bottles to put your vanilla in. The first time I made it I just stuck the vanilla beans in a small bottle of vodka, but I decided since these were presents I might want to do something that looked nicer. I went and picked out these bottles I usually try to let the vanilla set for 2 months from Hobby Lobby. I washed them out well and before I use it. I think after 2 months it has the perfect vanilla flavor! You want the vanilla to get stuck my vanilla beans in. a darker brown color and this is only achieved with time. That is really all there is to it!
Since I was going to give these as presents I decided I wanted to make some Merry Christmas labels to put on them! So I found a graphic I liked on Etsy and added Merry Christmas and printed it out.
I then cut them up into squares that would fit well on my bottles.
HOMEMADE VANILLA I applied them to the bottles and they were ready to go!
I made some hand embroidered Christmas bags to put them in to make them extra special! You can check out the tutorial for these bags on Craft Dictator!
This is an easy and wonderful present to make for Christmas! I also think it is a thoughtful gift for those of you who have baker’s as loved ones like myself! I hope that you will try this present and surprise your family or friends with this wonderful gift! 41 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
Twas The Night Before Christmas Mouse By Nikki
If you’ve got lots of kiddos to buy for this holiday season (i.e. playgroups or classrooms of kids!), here’s an easy way to stretch your dollar and give a gift that’s fun and different. You can use any stuffed animal mouse, but I found this one at IKEA for just 99 cents (both in-store and online). To add a little flair to your furry friend, feel free to download these free gift tags . . . And if you’re feeling extra crafty, here’s how to embellish the gift even more by decorating the tag and using a simple trick to make it look like the mouse is holding the tag .
(Click on picture to download printable.)
CHRISTMAS MOUSE Here’s what you’ll need: Decorative scissors (optional), regular scissors, scrapbook paper, sticker dots or adhesive and this free printable from Flairy Tales.
STEP 1: This is optional - Cut the printable out with decorative scissors to give it extra flair around the edges.
STEP 2: Use two different types of scrapbook paper (red and green) to create a layered effect. First, use the red paper as the first layer and leave about a 1/4 of an inch around the edges. Then, repeat the same step using the green paper to create the last (back) layer.
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CHRISTMAS MOUSE STEP 3: Once you have your paper layers, adhere it together. Use double-sided foam stickers because it creates a raised look. For this project, put 4 circle stickers on each corner of each layer.
Then fold it 4 times, glue it together, and adhere it to the back of your tag.
Step 5: Finally, you’re ready for the main character to hold his sign! Use a sticker dot on his paw and stick it to the back of the sign.
STEP 4: Now it’s time to make your tag stand-up and look like the mouse is holding it! Start with a piece of paper about 12 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a cute, unique gift or fun decoration for only a $1! Enjoy and happy FLARing!
Faux Snowballs
By Linda
There is something that is enchanting about snowballs... okay, maybe not when they are aimed right at you, but in general a snowball is a fleeting little piece of this world. It’s here one day and then the sun comes out and it’s gone. It’s glittery and white, too, part of an icy fairyland. Here is a little “snowball” decoration I made to put on my Christmas tree but it could go anywhere. It could be hung in the windows or from a doorknob or as a gift topper, too.
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Here is how I made them. I bought some of the very stiff felt squares at Michael’s Craft Store and used a glass to trace circles about 3 1/2 inches across. I cut them out and glued them together, inserting a string loop hanger in between them. Then I bought some of this fake fur fabric at Joann Fabrics.
Somehow this wasn’t enough for me. They needed GLITTER! I had some spray glue that is specifically for glitter and sprayed them front and back and shook on some clear glass glitter. I also added another type of “glitter” that is more like large pieces of cut up cellophane. I like that stuff. It adds more texture. I go through it pretty quickly when I start glittering things. :) I had some silvery ribbon and made a nice bow and hot glued that to the front of the snowball. I didn’t add one to both sides. I think that would have been overdone.
I used one of the felt circles as a pattern to cut out 2 circles of the fake fur fabric for every snowball. Now glue them onto the felt circles that you glued together, one for the front and one for the back. Now you have a little fluffy snowball with a hanger. Here is a side view of the snowball. You can see how it’s glued together.
And here is your little piece of glittery magic to remind you of the snowy stuff even if you don’t get any snow where you live.
I hope you enjoyed this little bit of instruction on how I made these fluffy faux snowball ornaments. I so enjoyed making these and I think you will also. If you want to see more of my homemade snowballs and even a fake snowflake hop on over to Crafts a la Mode. Best Holiday Wishes!
Kreative Corner
RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING CREATIVE SMALL BUSINESSES
BabyBottomsBoutique My name is Rebecca and I started up a small business called BabyBottomsBoutique back in 2007. It started out as a hobby making diaper cakes for friends at baby showers or who recently had a baby. I was told I should try and sell them. So I did. And that’s how it all began. Now I have expanded and not only focus on diaper cakes, but also tutus for little girls and birth chart stat announcements. The whole motto behind the store is BabyBottomsBoutique offers a great selection on creative gifts for yourself and others. We specialize in designing diaper cakes that are fun, unique, and stylish. Get your baby gear into style with a twist to motherhood. They are one of a kind and great to show your baby off. Don’t settle for boring, when you can be stylish.
Kirameku Hi everyone ! My name is Maxime, and I am the proud owner of Kirameku shop on Etsy. I make funky, sparkling and colourful handmade jewelry and artwork. I’m located in Montreal, Canada. I’m a graphic designer by day and a jewelry maker and painter by night. I opened my Etsy shop after a friends suggestion and fell in love with the website and community. I had started making my own jewelry back in 2008 and wanted to share my passion for colours and anything that shines with women around the world. I wanted to provide a unique, affordable product so my customers could pamper themselves without breaking their budget. I would be delighted to make a custom order just for you or ship you one of my latest creations. May it be for your wedding, your birthday or just to glam up your little black dress, I have something for every occasion. 47 Kreative Living Quarterly Winter 2013
KREATIVE CORNER
Darling and Dapper Bows I am now a stay at home mother of two, after leaving my job of eight years in the healthcare industry to be more available for my son who has special needs. I live in New Hampshire with my husband Matt, and my children; Nathan who is 3.5 years old, and Alaina, who is 10 months. Darling and Dapper Bows started when my son woke up one day and started wanting to dress “just like Daddy”. When I shopped around for little boys bow ties, they were hard to come by, and the options I did find were expensive. I knew I could create my own bow ties that would be affordable, good quality and make little boys look adorable wearing them. After I had my daughter, I found myself saying the same thing about hair accessories for girls. I loved creating my own designs, and find myself always putting her in classic, simple bows, so that’s mainly what I create, but I also love custom orders, and can make anything someone is looking for -- whether it’s an over the top bow, or a cheer bow, custom colors, sizes or patterns. I just love to create accessories!
Jayla Jolie Hello, my name is Ce Ce I blog over at A Chi Mom, a Chicago mom’s personal lifestyle blog. I’m grateful to have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, a boy and girl (the perfect pair). I’m not an expert, but I love fashion, freebies and sharing my finds with others. I also make and sell handcrafted jewelry at Jayla Jolie Jewelry. Jayla Jolie Jewelry was named after my baby girl (Jayla), because she inspired me to make beautiful jewelry to match all her pretty little outfits. My favorite pieces to make are little girls bracelets and macrame bracelets, checkout my Etsy Shop to see all of my designs.
KREATIVE CORNER
Sew Sassy by Ashley Hi, I’m Ahsley! I’m a wife and stay-at-home-momma to three crazy boys and blogger over at Momma on a Mission. Those who’ve read my blog know that I loooove to craft. I enjoy making jewelry and hair accessories but I also venture out and into design work and painted items as well. I guess you could say there’s a little bit of everything in my shop. A few years ago (before my blogging days) I had a Facebook paged called Sew Sassy by Ashley. After my son was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis I put it on hold. Crafting has been an outlet for me and often a way of therapy in a sense that helps me deal with the many emotions of having a child with an auto immune disease. Now, 1 1/2 years later I’ve decided to open a Storenvy shop, Sew Sassy by Ashley, this year in hopes to sell some of my many completed crafts. I hope you find something you like and if you don’t let me know because I love to make custom pieces as well.
Green Earth Goodness My Name is Angela and I am very blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home wife. I started my blog, Angela’s Homemade, so I can have an outlet to learn and teach others how to make things. One thing that I love sharing on the blog is how to make homemade bath, body, and home care products. For me, natural and organic is a great way to go. I started Green Earth Goodness as a way to bring both natural and organic products to consumers and soap making supplies and kits. Green Earth Goodness Soap Making Supplies provides natural and organic sustainably sourced oils, butters, and other items needed to make all your body and bath care products. Green Earth Goodness believes in giving back and 10% of all sales go to Prostate Cancer Awareness. 49 Kreative Living Quarterly
Winter 2013