Customized Gift for Baby

Here are two easy ideas for a new baby. I stitched two receiving blankets together to make one, super warm, cozy blankie and added some fun embroidery to accent the pattern. I used coordinating embroidery floss and stitched a circular pattern. I then did the same pattern on a onesie to match. The embroidery really didn't take long at all, and it adds a special touch for a special new baby. A personalized message or the baby's name could be added as well. You could use two yards of flannel in coordinating patterns instead of the receiving blankets. Also, you can quilt as much or as little as you like on the blanket. I try to quilt a little bit all over the blanket.

Pretty Felt Pouches

I made these fun, easy and inexpensive gift pouches for special people this holiday season. I simply bought regular sheets of felt and folded them to the right size. Then, with the flap open, I stitched up the side, around the front flap and down the other side. For extra detail, I used two contrasting sheets of felt and cut little designs out of the top sheet. I closed the pouches with either a decorative ribbon wrapped around the whole thing or small pins. Large candy bars, toiletries or stationery sets fit nicely inside.

Fun & Festive Embellished Shirts

It is fun and easy to add a decorative applique to a simple tank top or t-shirt. Just trim any fabric to a simple shape and whip-stitch it into place by hand or zig-zag with a sewing machine. Hearts, birds, shamrocks or christmas trees would all work well. You can add more trims such as ribbon, buttons or lace and create designs as intricate or simple as you wish. What a fun treat for yourself or a friend.

Custom Wrapping Paper

I've often picked up a gift at lunch and needed to present it soon after work with little or no time to get wrapping paper. No need to over-pay for gift wrapping at the store or settling for the cheesy paper at the drugstore. Here are some easy ways to make custom, attractive wrapping papers using only supplies available at the office with no special drawing skills required. These are just a start to get your ideas rolling. Simple color combinations and designs often work best. Your designs can be very exact and symmetrical or more random. If you can play tick-tac-toe, you can create interesting wrapping paper. Have fun.

Supply ideas:
Brown paper, printer paper or mailing envelope
Magic Markers or pens
Ruler
Hole punch
Glue stick or Glue

French Martini Glasses

These "French Martini" glasses were created for a holiday charity auction. The little tassles around the base add a little extra flirty fun and also act as wine charms. The tassles are loosely tied around the base and can be removed to wash the glasses. The designs on the glasses were applied with glass paint straight from the tube and dotted on to create a lace-like look. A yummy French Martini recipe was included to complete the set.

French Martini
2 shots of vanilla vodka
1 shot of pineapple juice
1/2 shot of Chambord raspberry liquor
Shake together with ice, strain and serve.
The pineapple juice makes the drink frothy as you shake it!

Creamy Two-Layer Pumpkin Pie

This no bake pumpkin pie is creamy, quick and delicious. We enjoyed it for Thanksgiving this year.
Ingredients:
4 oz (1/2 of 8 oz package) Cream Cheese or Neufchatel cheese
1 Tbsp cold milk
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 c thawed Cool Whip whipped topping
1 ready to use graham cracker crust
1 c cold milk
1 (16 oz) can pure pumpkin
2 pkg. (4 serving size) instant vanilla pudding mix
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground ginger

Beat together cream cheese, 1 Tbsp milk and sugar in large bowl until smooth and well blended. Stir in whipped topping. Spread into bottom of the crust.

Pour 1 c milk into medium bowl, and add pumpkin, pudding mix and spices. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until blended. Spread over cream cheese.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins are quick, easy and delicious. No one will know that you started them from a mix! The added pumpkin reduces the fat and adds a richer pumpkin taste.

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients:
1 Quick Bread Mix in Pumpkin Variety (I used Pillsbury Brand)
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of canned pure pumpkin
2 eggs

1. Heat oven to 400º. Spray 12 muffin cups with non-stick spray or line with baking cups.
2. Combine all ingredients. Stir 50 strokes or until blended. Divide batter among the muffin cups.
3. Bake at 400ª for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestion:
Top with cream cheese for an extra yummy treat!

Any extra muffins can be frozen for later.