HAPPY 2011!

I wish everyone a beautiful new year filled with love and joy! I want to share another gem that my yoga teacher shared with me for you to meditate on during this new beginning...

I salute you. And my love for you goes deep. 

There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But, there is much, 

that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No Heaven can 

come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven!

No Peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant. 

Take Peace!

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering,

that you will find earth but cloaks your Heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all!

But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together,

wending through unknown country home.

- Fra Giovanni

don't stress...

Making gifts for friends and family is creative, fun and your loved ones will appreciate the time and care put into their presents. If you are low on funds this Christmas or if you just want to give something homemade this year, here are a few ideas...

 Make Apple Pie Liquor. This is inexpensive and easy to make, the recipe makes a huge batch that you can give away to many people. You can purchase cute bottles to put the liquor in, even from the Dollar Store or the Goodwill or D.I.. It tastes and smells delicious and is a great holiday treat that anyone will enjoy. Here is the recipe:

 6 cans frozen of apple juice concentrate 

18 cups of water 

1 gallon of apple cider 

750 ml of Everclear (alcohol) 

7 cinnamon sticks 

4 cups of sugar 

4 cups of brown sugar

Take all the ingredients excluding the Everclear and combine in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add the Everclear. Bottle and Enjoy!

Make Hot Cocoa Mix

The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melt when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor. The recipe makes enough for four gift-size portions, each of which can be measured into a small plastic bag and tucked into a cup or mug filled with mini marshmallows, candy stick stirrers, and a spoon. Wrap each filled gift cup in cellophane and don't forget to include a tag with the following instructions: "Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into your cup (depending on the size), add boiling water, and stir well."

Ingredients

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

• 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.
   
2. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to package it. Makes about 4 cups of mix.
   
   
   
    

Make a Recipe Booklet

This is a personal and very useful gift that the recipient will use for years to come. Simply print out or hand write your favorite recipes and get a small binder and a some scrap-booking supplies to decorate it with. Put your recipes together and share with your loved one!

Make a Mix CD 

Personalizing a mix for someone you care about is a great way to make them feel special. Choose songs that remind you of that person, put them together on a CD, make a cool cover (listing the songs and artists) and give the gift of music!

what's for dinner...

Breakfast for dinner is a great way to switch things up... make your favorite morning meal for dinner this weekend! Check out this easy french toast recipe http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/perfect-french-toast-recipe/index.html and maybe make it with some organic ham and eggs.

be traditional...

Roasting chestnuts is something that I will be doing for the first time this week. I will not be roasting them on an open fire but if you have a fireplace, go for it! I hear that roasted chestnuts are delicious and this will make a good Holiday tradition.

Here is a how-to link...http://startcooking.com/blog/299/How-to-Roast-Chestnuts
TIP: I also read that they are great if you saute them in butter after they are peeled, put them back in the oven still in the skillet until browned a little on top and then sprinkle them with a little salt and cinnamon, have them with eggnog! Sounds cozy!

show love...

 Hugs have been shown to reduce heart rates, improve overall moods, lower blood pressure, increase nerve activity, and a host of other beneficial effects.

'tis the season...

...for sequins! It is so fun to bring a little sparkle to your Holiday parties! Weather you go for lots of shine like a sequined blazer, top or dress or just a little shine like a hair accessory or a clutch, have fun with sequins this season! 

Follow this link to check out inexpensive options at Forever 21...http://www.forever21.com/search.asp?keyword=sequin

or this link for designer selections on Shop Bop...http://www.shopbop.com/actions/viewSearchResultsAction.action?query=sequins&searchButton.x=0&searchButton.y=0

give...

  The Salvation Army Giving Tree program is a great way to give to someone in need this season. There are children who mostly need clothing, shoes and socks, pajamas and also wish for a couple of toys and then there are seniors or "Golden Angels" who are in need of clothing, slippers, robes and wish for simple items like a radio.  

  It is a great way for kids to learn about giving. I take my son to a tree location to pick a child's card off of the tree and then go get the items with him. You can also follow this link to participate online...

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/A26BE892B1CBCE42802573F50056BE0C?Opendocument