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.

New Windows

Yesterday we took a huge step forward and got new windows installed. Our home had windows that were drafty and over 100 years old. These should really make our home much cozier and more efficient. I love them already.

Italian Meatballs

When it gets cold and blustery outside, I start craving comfort food. These yummy meatballs will melt in your mouth, and best of all, you don't have to stand over the stove while they brown! The added turkey makes these super tender and lower in fat. I have to give MommaBird credit for that idea. This recipe makes plenty to eat now and to freeze for later.

Meatball Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
10 oz of ground turkey (half of a package)
3/4 c dry bread crumbs
1/3 c milk
1/2 t salt
1/2 t Worcestershire sauce
1/4 t pepper
1 large egg
1/2 sweet red pepper diced (optional)
Fresh basil (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400º
2. Mix all meatball ingredients. (rolling up your sleeves and use your hands works best here)
3. Shape mixture into 1 1/2” meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs into an ungreased pan.
5. Bake uncovered 20-25 min. (until no longer pink in the center and juices run clear)
6. Add to your favorite sauce and serve over pasta or on crusty Italian bread.

Sauce Ingredients:
1 Jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 can of diced tomatoes with italian seasonings
1 can of tomato sauce

Mix together and simmer over low, stirring often.

Welcome

Welcome to the first post on Ladybird. I’ll feature creative, personalized projects for your home as well as fashion and food. My idea isn't to be perfect, but to have some fun and to express myself through my creations. I am excited about featuring great ideas for making a nest the very best. Check back often to see what is new.