Holiday Hints Posts

I certainly agree with a recent blog (http://www.grannyssecrets.com/blog/2010/01/20/baking-cookies-with-the-grandkids.html) I found on GrannysSecrets.com. I am Grammy to my six grandchildren and traditionally at Christmastime, the four younger granddaughters and I bake cookies. (See pictures.) We really have a great time!The writer of this particular blog stated that a warm kitchen and sweet cooki...

Try making this recipe for Valentine Lollipops as a special Valentine treat to share with special people in your life.Ingredients:2 cups sugar1 cup water2/3 cup light corn syrup1 tsp cinnamon extract3 to 5 drops liquid red food colorYou'll also need: candy thermometer, heart-shaped lollipop molds, 4- to 6-inch lollipop sticks (depending on size of molds).1. Lightly grease molds with cooking spray;...

The "Christmas Grab Bag Swap" is really a neat idea, especially for an adult Christmas party. On A Comical Life website, a recent blog described the fun they had with it. Their rules for the Christmas Grab Bag this time were: a $25 dollar limit, and must follow the theme of "As Seen On TV". If you want to find out more of the details on this particular Christmas Grab Bag, read the rest of the stor...

Most everyone enjoys making cookies for the holidays. It's a tradition and the cookie recipes are often handed down from generation to generation. There are many cookie swaps or cookie baking parties among friends and family in preparation for Christmas holiday celebrations. There's a wonderful post (http://www.cookiesyearround.com/2009/12/21/the-origin-of-holiday-cookies.html) that gives the hist...

Taking holiday photos is fun but can also be a problem. You may take what you think is the perfect shot, but when you develop the film it isn't what you remember. It's important to make sure you have the right equipment. For more help with equipment and techniques, read a post (http://www.landscapingphotography.com/2009/04/29/christmastime-landscape-photography.html).Among the tips in this article...

Dogs are man's best friend and don't you think they deserve to be a bit spoiled, especially at this time of year? People today have little time to shop and even smaller amounts of money to spend, but online there are several great places to shop. Of course, there are the traditional spots like PetSmart and Petco but there are many more that have great stuff and reasonable prices.In a recent post (...

The ingredients to make this recipe for Red Beans and Rice* could be layered in a jar and given as a Christmas gift! It's really easy and would make a beautiful presentation. Just follow the instructions given in the first recipe. (Refer to the picture of a layered jar in the recipe for Friendship Soup.) Copy the second recipe below and attach the recipe with a gift tag to the jar using raffia ...

This cookie mix in a jar makes wonderful Christmas gifts. This delectable cookie mix looks as good as it tastes! And, who wouldn't enjoy these On-the-Go Chunkies? Just layer the dry ingredients in a jar as instructed in the first recipe. (Refer to the picture of the layered jar in the recipe for Choco-Cherry Cookies .) Copy the second recipe below and attach the recipe with a gift tag to the ...

Since we are approaching the Christmas shopping season, let me suggest giving some cutting tools to the men in your life. Most men tend to be tool savvy, or fall into the category of handymen, and would use cutting tools such as drills, saws, and chisels.There's a post (http://www.precisionmachiningpro.com/2009/06/30/your-cutting-tools.html) that gives the specifics on how these cutting tools were...

These Sweet 'n Salty Rosemary Nuts are a delicious snack that will make wonderful Christmas gifts. Just prepare a batch of these nutty snacks and pack them in a jar or decorative container. Attach a gift tag with the recipe to the jar using raffia or ribbon. (*See 11-5-09 post for Jar-Assembly Tips.)Sweet 'n Salty Rosemary Nuts2 cups cashews2 cups macadamia nuts2 cups walnut halves2 cups whol...