CHRISTMAS...TRIVIA

Our Thanksgiving Trivia was a huge hit with all the kids and adults - the conversations and laughs that it spawned were priceless! Anyway my family wants more for Christmas! Be careful what you wish for......


Each printable sheet has 20 questions with answers. I made a sheet each for the kiddos and also for the hard core adult trivia buffs in our family. I cut some of my favorite 12 x 12" scrapbook paper (Cosmo Cricket) into printer friendly sizing (8.5 x 11" - insert blank side down) I printed the adult and kid version onto different papers so the kids wont get intimidated by some of the adult questions! All cut papers went into the mason jar, simply decorated with vintage paper lace wrapped around the bell jar. We are ready to go!

Download a copy here! Enjoy :)

CHRISTMAS GRANOLA GIFTS

My family and close friends and neighbors will be receiving this granola packaged and ready for Christmas Morning!

CHRISTMAS GRANOLA (makes @ 12 Cups or fills 2 1lb Coffee Tie Top Bags)

• 4 Cups of old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 Cups of sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 Cups of sliced raw almonds
• 1 1/2 Cups of cashews
• 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar
• 1/2 Cup of honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/2 Cup of vegetable oil
• 2 Cups of craisins
• 2 cups of semisweet milk chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
• Toss the oats, coconut, cashews, almonds and brown sugar together in a large bowl
• Wisk together the vegetable oil and honey (or maple syrup) in a small bowl
• Pour the liquids over the oat mix and stir with a spatula until all the mix is coated
• Pour half the oat mix onto each baking sheet
• Bake and stir occasionally every 5 - 10 mins until the oat mix turns a nice even golden brown (about 30 mins)
• Remove the mix from the oven and let cool, stirring occasionally
• Add the craisins and chocolate chips
• Store the granola in an airtight container until ready to eat or package

Play around with this recipe and add or substitute some of your own favorite ingredients!! I will be packaging the Christtmas Granola in Chinese Take out containers and in Coffee Tin Tie Top bags depending on the size of the family...

Gift tags can be printed out on cardstock or sticker paper and embellished with twine, ribbon, crepe paper or flowers..... download here!

PRETTIE..HOLIDAY & GIFT PLANNING

The internet is a fantastic tool! I only wish the onslaught of holiday catalogues and gift guides I have been inundated with in the mail (despite signing up here to have my name removed from their mailing lists....) looked half as enticing as these wonderful Digital Holiday collaborative and free E-Zines which include decorating and styling tips, menu guides, holiday party planning ideas and gift giving showcases!!

From Sweet Paul the Holiday 2010 Issue (don't forget to get lost in his lovely Spring and Fall 2010 issues as well!)

From Creature Comforts and the principle author of one of my favorite blogs - Nice Package..... is Gifted Magazine which includes some amazing tutorials on how to make your gift giving one of a kind!

The TomKat Studio has a shopping guide perfect for everyone on your list as well!

Rue Magazine has plenty of design, styling ideas to keep you busy decorating throughout the New Year too!
Happy browsing! If you know of any other great E-Zines that you would like to share please leave a link in the comment section! Happy Holiday Planning :)