Just some ideas!

I don't know about you, but my mom and I are constantly clipping little ideas out of the many magazines that we subscribe to.  The holiday issues of Women's Day, Real Simple and Good Housekeeping are my favorites for great craft and gift giving ideas.  We wanted to share some of our favorites with you on this snowy, snugly day!  (In Colorado anyway!)

1. Women's Day magazine suggests: "Be a secret Santa this month - 

leave a poinsettia on your neighbor's front porch with a note that 

simply says 'Enjoy'". 

*I think I'll leave plates of cookies instead.  :)

2. Get creative with your gifts this year….Create a collection of 

your favorite recipes (and include a small sample, if possible) to 

give as a gift. This is a great way to pass on culinary traditions to 

your family and friends.

*Recipe's as gifts?  What a swell idea! :)

3. Deck your halls with something different this year - hang your 

favorite holiday cookie cutters from pretty ribbons in your kitchen 

window. Inexpensive and fun! 

*Do this in your kitchen window and take a picture for me!  

I would love to post pictures of everyone's festive cookie cutter garland! 

4. Gift in a jar for yourself:

Mix together a large batch of instant oatmeal and scoop up a serving 

that costs only about 25-cents per day. In a large bowl, combine 1 

container (18-oz.) quick-cooking oats, 1 envelope (3.2-oz.) nonfat dry 

milk, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar and 1 cup raisins or dried 

fruit of your choice. Transfer to an airtight container. For 

breakfast: Scoop 1/2 cup oatmeal mix into a bowl and add 1/2 cup 

water. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Makes about 16 servings.

*Done and Done! This one sounds great to me,

and I have been a very good girl this year!