I had quite a few e-mails about my Gifts In A Jar post a couple weeks ago, so since we are in the last minute Christmas rush, I thought I would share even more ideas on this topic.  My friends Susanne and Nicole are offering an e-book with 200 Jar Gift Recipes!  You can find that here:  www.dinewithoutwhine.com/gifts

Here is an another article on the subject:

Beautiful Last Minute Gift Ideas – Mix In A Jar Only a couple of days before Christmas you all of a sudden realize you need a few more last minute gifts. Should you make a quick trip to the mall and fight with everyone else over what is left of the decent presents? If you’re like me, that idea doesn’t sound like fun. A much better idea is to make a thoughtful and useful inexpensive gift your family and friends will love receiving. Here is a great idea for a last minute Christmas present that you can literally put together Christmas Eve. Best of all, the recipient will love and actually use it.  It’s a gift in a jar and the basic idea is to fill a decorated or even plain glass jar with a the dry ingredients of a  baking or cooking mix.

Here’s an example. Mix together a hot chocolate mix out of cocoa powder, sugar, powdered creamer and some spices and fill the Mason jar ¾ of the way with it. Add a layer of miniature marshmallows on the top.  Make a little label with directions on how to turn this hot chocolate mix into hot cocoa by adding some warm milk. Of course the mini marshmallows will be used to top it all off.

You an also mix the dry ingredients of your favorite brownie or cookie recipe. Even better, layer the ingredients in the jar for an even more visually appealing gift. A brownie mix for example could start with a layer of flower, then some walnuts, topped by a layer of sugar and then chocolate chips. Don’t forget to add a card with the recipe and instructions on how to turn this mix into some delicious fresh baked cookie or brownies.

Remember you are not limited to cookies and brownie mixes. You can add cake mixes, dry ingredients for your favorite soup or chili, or even create your own spice or dry rub mixes. Pour the finished mix in a jar and you are almost ready to go.

Of course you want the recipient to know what’s in the jar. Make a label and glue it on the jar. Of course you could also use a permanent marker to write it on the jar or lid.  For a decorative touch, cut a piece of fabric into a square that overlaps the lid of the jar by at least an inch. Center the fabric over the closed lid and secure it by tying a ribbon around it.

Write the recipe for the mix on a card or a piece of thick paper. Make a small hole and thread a piece of ribbon through it and tie it around the Mason jar as well. That’s all there’s to it. You now have a beautiful homemade gift in a jar.

For over 200 recipe ideas for all kinds of Gifts In a Jar visit www.dinewithoutwhine.com/gifts and get started making those beautiful last minute Christmas Presents.

Also, Jennifer Caligado writes in: 

I was just reading over your recipe packet for gifts in a jar and saw some recipes we have tried this year - my kids and I did a few different drink mixes in individual bags, plus a couple of chocolate spoons and a small handmade angel ornament - it was all put into a brown paper bag decorated like a gingerbread house (an idea I got from an Oriental Trading Catalog) - the kids did most of the work and everyone we’ve given them to has absolutely loved them - it has been a great way to have gifts for a large number of people without spending a great deal of money - we have lots of “extras” for those unexpected occasions when we need to give a gift - many people these days have most of the toys/trinkets they want or need but something homemade and given from the heart seems much more appreciated - I have been very pleasantly surprised by how well received the gift bags have been

A different take on this idea that i did a few years ago was a “meal in a basket” - I used a soup mix in a jar, a bread mix in a jar, a beverage mix in a jar and a dessert mix in a jar - all were put into a pretty basket with a decorative bow and, same as this year, the recepients just loved them - again, I made extras of each jar/mix and was glad to have them on hand for those unexpected gifts.  Just thought I’d share those ideas with you
Jenn 
GREAT IDEAS!  Thanks Jenn!
Happy Holidays,
Christine
 

Okay, I had to share this - it totally cracked me up. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-jUGN27MiQ 

My kids actually like green beans! 

Similar to our Thanksgiving Guide (Only bigger and better) Our Christmas Planning Guide is ready!

Here’s how the Christmas Planning Guide will help you throw a fabulous holiday get-together (and you don’t have to spend hours doing all the planning). 

Recipes - we have it covered. You get 30 pages of Appetizers, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Desserts and Drinks. Just pick and choose from the recipes in the guide.   Shopping - Your shopping list is already made out for you. Just head to the store and get what you need.  

To-Do List - Don’t worry about forgetting to do something important. Just work your way through the Check List.  Decorating and Entertaining Tips - We give you plenty of tips on anything from decorating to keeping the kids entertained. 

Just think about how much time you will save with that much of the planning already done for you. Get your copy today at http://www.healthymenumailer.com/xmas   Happy Holidays! 

One of my subscribers sent this to me, and I thought it was great for this time of year - so thought I would share.

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded t O fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous “yes.”

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things–your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions–and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else–the small stuff. “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

“Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first–the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

Those of you who know me well, know that I have a toddler.  Today I found a fun blog just for mommies of toddlers that I wanted to share.  www.tipsfortoddlers.com  Highlighted are tips, activities, recipes and more for moms and toddlers.  I don’t know about you, but I’ll take all the help I can get keeping my little guy happy and entertained!  Enjoy!