Jennuine

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SOCK UPCYCLE GIFT TUTORIAL: How to Make Play Donuts from Kids' Socks

- December 07, 2010

One not so fun day at home doing chores, the girls and I were sorting through the box we keep by the washer and dryer for collecting all the odd socks. The box had reached maximum capacity, and after sorting all the wayward socks into pairs, we were left with a handful of strays that would likely never see their mates again. "What a shame," I thought, to have to toss away all these sweet little children's socks, as I absentmindedly rolled one in my hands. That's when my nine-year old daughter said, "Mama, that sock looks like a donut!" And that's how our sweet and simple little SOCK DONUT project was born. The girls and I spent the rest of the afternoon rolling the stray socks, cutting out felt "icing" and embellishing with bits and beads we found around the house. These plush donuts have gotten plenty of imagination time in our little play kitchen. I've also enjoyed using one as a pin cushion while I sew! These littl

GET YOUR GELT ON! Make your own gold coins for Hanukkah with this easy chocolate-dipped apricot project

- December 05, 2010

Because of my parents' different religious upbringings, my brothers and I had the experience of celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas each December of our childhoods. My mom still makes the world's best motzoh ball soup and latkes, and has us over on one night of Hanukkah every year to play driedel, light the menorah, and to enjoy her wonderful cooking! For the past two years, my girls and I have enjoyed a new Hanukkah tradition of making our own Hanukkah "gelt", or gold coins made from dried apricots dipped in dark chocolate. They're so simple to make and are infinitely more delicious than the mass produced coins you buy in the store. Even if your household doesn't celebrate Hanukkah, these chocolate dipped apricots make a wonderful gift for friends and family at this time of year! CHOCOLATE DIPPED APRICOT COINS MAKES APPROX. 30-40 COINS 1 bag Dried Apricots (16 oz.)* 8 oz. good quality chocolate* Step 1: Using a kitch

GINGERBREAD FRIENDS -- Read the Book and Bake up some Memories with Your Family

- December 01, 2010

One of my favorite types of children's book is the kind that has a recipe to go with it! Pairing such a book with a cookie cutter or baking supplies can make a wonderful gift for any child. Yesterday my daughter borrowed the book Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett from her Kindergarten class. It inspired a project and a splendid gift idea. Our home library plays host to a few Jan Brett favorites ~ The Mitten , The Hat , and Hedgie's Surprise . The girls and I love these warm-hearted stories, and we've spent many a happy time exploring Brett's intricate illustrations, and searching for the Hedgie in the elaborate borders of many of her books. Gingerbread Friends was a treat that did not disappoint! It was a sweet story about the Gingerbread Baby and his search for friends. My observant little one was the first to notice that the borders of each page contained a piece of a recipe for making gingerbread cookies. Before you could say Gingersnap , sh

YOURSELF THE ELF -- GIVE THE GIFT OF A HANDMADE TOY WITH THIS EASY BEANBAG TUTORIAL

- November 30, 2010

There's something to be said about a handmade gift. In fact, there's quite a lot to be said. A handmade gift means that someone really took the time. They stepped outside of the hurried pace of the world to use their skills, their creativity, and their hands to make something special. A handmade gift isn't about convenience. It has heart...soul. BUT, a handmade gift doesn't need to take a lot of time or cost a small fortune. When it comes to children's toys sometimes the simplest ones are the best -- the ones that outlast all the shiny plastic and razzle-dazzle. (Did I just say razzle-dazzle? Sheesh...I really am getting old). If you have any pint-sized people on your holiday gift list this year and the inclination to go the handmade route, consider this easy and versatile Bean Bag tutorial from my friend Crafty Mummy. Paired with a matching pouch, a list of ideas for games , or instructions for learning to juggle , you have a wonderfully spec

Making the Cut: Christmas Trees -- Keeping it Sustainable, Green and Local

- November 29, 2010

First, I'd like to say that however you choose to make merry this season, I wish you joy and pass no judgement on how you do it. There is no place for critics when it comes to celebrations of peace and happiness. I offer up this post about the tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree to share one of my family's favorite holiday traditions, and for those on the fence about what type of tree to have this year, to offer my perspective and encourage you to embrace a new adventure and find your inner lumberjack! Sin ce I was very little, the experience of walking in the crisp mountain air, the crackle and snap of small twigs underfoot, and the heady smell of pine has had a special magic and place in my heart. To me, this annual trip to the mountains to select the perfect tree officially heralded the start of the holiday season. My parents would bundle us up in our down parkas and mittens (just about the only time we would wear them, since it rarely dropped below 40 wh

A Paper Bag Turkey and a Special Thanksgiving Message from "Little Chief Rockin' Monkey"

- November 25, 2010

Yesterday, adorned in construction-paper headdresses, macaroni necklaces, and playing coffee can tom-toms, my daughter's Kindergarten class entertained us with songs and poems of Thanksgiving. Yes, yes indeed, "America's got Talent!" It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season! The Kindergarten families contributed to a potluck feast after the performance, and I was really happy that the Paper Bag Turkey (stuffed with popcorn) that I made, using the tutorial at One Charming Party , was such a big hit. If you're looking for a fun centerpiece for the kids' table at your next holiday feast, you may want to check this out. It was so easy (took me less than 15 minutes) and is a great way to recycle paper bags from the grocery store. Wishing you and yours a most splendid holiday, STUFFED with all of your most favorite things, I leave you with this short message from my very own "Little Chief Rockin' Monkey":

THE MAYFLOUR -- A pie that is ship shape and ready to sail

- November 23, 2010

(photo modified from the original taken by SS) A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a blog called Diamonds for Dessert and was immediately captivated by the creativity and charm of the recipes there. The one recipe I positively couldn't get out of my mind was the incredibly original and beautifully written tutorial for making a pie that looks like a pirate ship -- A Pie-rate Ship! Brilliant! Not having any little buccaneers with impending birthdays in my crew, I immediately began to daydream about the other occasions I could serve a ship-shaped pie! I first imagined a fleet of Spanish sailing ships ~ The Nina, The Pinta and The Santa Maria for Columbus Day. Unfortunately, Columbus Day had just passed. I had literally missed the boat! "Not to worry," I told myself, "Thanksgiving is just around the corner." Suffice to say, it was a little too close around the corner, and sadly I've spent the last few days nursing a head cold rather than prepari