Having a Gift On Hand: Mixed Nuts

I have found it essential to have a stash of "gifts" waiting to be used throughout the holiday season.  No matter how well I plan, there is always a few curve balls in December.  Whether it be for an extra hostess gifts, housewarming for the parties you are unexpectedly invited to, or even a quick gift for the family member you didn't realize was joining you for Christmas dinner, having multi-purpose gifts on hand is the key to survival! 

In the past I have had candles on stock, or a few extra bottles of my favorite wine, but this year I am going the food route!  {perhaps because I am VERY pregnant!} I have found that the more personal the gift, the better it is accepted as a quick substitute, or possibly not even noticed. 

So this year...drumroll please...I am cooking up some mixed nuts! 

I have been stockpiling glass jars since early spring {my husband can't wait to get them out of the house} and I am finally ready to fill them up.

Here is my recipe:

1. Spread mixed nuts over a parchment lined baking sheet
2. Melt Chocolate and Caramel in double boilers {I like using dark chocolate...for...ummm...health reasons!}
3. Drizzle over nuts - be sure not to POUR or you will end up making bark instead of lose mixed nuts
4. Sprinkle lightly with large flakes of sea salt to add a bit of savory
5. Refridgerate to set or pop in the freezer for 5 minutes
6. Toss and break apart and once fully cooled, distribute among jars

My weekend will be spent preparing this delicious treat.  I am so excited, the image is making my mouth water!  Stay tuned for more action shots coming in the next few weeks.

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Etsy

Forget about Black Friday this year and check out etsy for the fabulous ladies on your list.  

1. For the girl with hometown pride, warm her heart with these creations by vintage refashioned.

2. Inspire greatness with prints from Valentina Ramos.

 3. Warm a home or brighten an apartment with cheery art from Sparkle Power.

4. Add a punch to a couch that is better than any item you will find in a mall today, with these beauties from Festive Home Decor.

5. Keep in line with current fashion trends and offer warmth to your loved one with knitted items from Arlene's Boutique.

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Foodies

Whether you are giving to the food connoisseur, the generous hostess, or simply need an easy gift to keep on hand for the unexpected, food is a great option.  Here are some of my favorite food gifs.

1. Honey is a great gift for everyone on your list.  From serving on busicutts, with apples and cheese, or stirred into tea or even a hot toddy, honey can be enjoyed all year long.  Maine Wild Raspberry Honey offers your gift recipint a dressed up classic.  Package with homemade busicutts or your favorite tea to complete the gift.

2. For the loved ones you can't be near, nothing feels more like home that a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup.  Send the gift of home this year with the help of Spoonful of Comfort.  Purchasing options allow you to add half a dozen homemade rolls or cookies for a little bit more love.

 3. For the chef in your life, provide the treat of deliciously infused balsalmic vinegar or extra virgin olive oil.  While there are options to infuse yourself, I have found that Villa Manodori to be an excellent gift to have on hand, all year round!



4. For the person who appreciates an indulgence, cheese straws are a wonderful treat enjoyed primarily at special times of year.  Honor your recipient with the best of the South from Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory. 

5. For the generous host who is housing all of the outof town family this year, nothing could be more welcomed that a gift to feed a crowd.  Navel Oranges are a wonderful holiday tradition that is sure to please any full home this busy season.  

AND...if you are more ambitious than me, and want to make your food gifts at home, here are a few links from my favorite magazines to get you started:

Country Living

Good Houskeeping

Better Homes and Gardens

Don't forget to check out the other 2010 Gift Guides

We are posting a new guide each Friday, so feel free to make requests in the comment section!

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: New Babes

Did you really think I would be able to do a gift guide without featuring all of the fabulous baby gear I have found?  This list is not featuring the top items that you already see in every single baby magazine {read a giraffe shaped teether or bamboo swaddling blankets} Don't get me wrong.  I love these items.  But I am trying to help you think outside the box!

1. An adorable stuffed animal, featuring the on-point trend of knitted baby toys like this rainbow stripped bunny - perfect for the baby girl or boy in your life.

2. Board Books - forget about Good Night moon, share your home town pride with these adorable board books available from Chulamama.  Plus, check out their city gift sets!

3. Chose a luxurious hat and bootie set to keep the babe warm and stylish in the winter months.

4. An extraordinary blanket that can be tossed in the car for extra warmth, tucked around your baby carrier, or used as a play mat when you are traveling to visit family.  A blanket can be an incredible gift when you reach a step above what the average mama would buy.  

5. Alphabet blocks allow a baby to explore textures and teaches motor skills like picking up, releasing, and stacking.  These are so adorable, you won't mind them scattered on the floor in the nicest room of your house!

Don't forget to check out the other 2010 Gift Guides!

We are posting a new guide each Friday, so feel free to make requests in the comment section!

Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Men

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for your hubby, bro, or boyfriend?  Here are five ideas under $50 to get you started:

1. City Posters by Ork.  Let your man's passion for his home town thrive while you up the style quota on his bachelor's pad.

2. Homage Tees, for the sports fan in your life that already has too much gear.  These throw back tees are perfect for any guy with additional options available for colleges, pop-culture, and even famous eateries!

3. Shop Patagonia for name brand gear without spending a fortune.  The secret?  Check out the novelty items like this Travel Belt with a storage space for valuables or Windproof Gloves, now 50% off!

4. Beef up your man's movie trivia with a box set, sure to entertain.  Whether it is Godfather, Sci-Fi, or Die Hard that fuels the testosterone, these gifts look like they cost more than you actually spend - bonus!

5. For the culinary expert meat lover, gift sets of spices, seasonings, and sauces could be a big hit.  Here are a few classics, sure to inspire a feast: BBQ Sauce, Hot Sauce, and Bacon Salts.  These sets are so affordable, you might even want to throw in a book like, "Bacon: A Love Story," for comedic affect!

Did you like the ideas you saw here?  

Over the next few Fridays, (or until the baby arrives) I will be posting gift ideas for everyone in your life!  Have a specific person you are looking for?  Leave a comment and let me know so I can be sure to consider your special someone!

My Birthday!

It was a week ago.

That might have contributed to the delay in the posting. {just maybe} Anyway, enough about me neglecting you. Here are some of t

he "bests" from my special day.

Best Card:

from Karlene, and it was blank inside!

Best Surprise:

Harshaw, on the far left, sent this card to me on my birthday!

Old School - circa 2003/2004??

Best Person To Celebrate With:

Christie and I were both born on March 23rd!

3:23 is our favorite time of day

we love OUR birthday

Best Gift{s}:

from Mark

A Red Door spa gift certificate.

Being his crafty self, he handmade the gift certificate.

He picked out and ordered a dress from Boden. I was impressed!

and...

MY OWN WEBSITE

for my calligraphy business!

I cannot wait, but must, until I have actual content on the site to share!

Overall, March 23rd was pretty awesome!