{Gifts} Neighborhood Cheer

Each Christmas I try to deliver a little something to my neighbors for the holiday. I feel extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of people, young and old, and like to show my appreciation for them.

This year I filled jars with homemade chocolate peanut clusters. I found the jars at TJ Maxx for $1.99 each {not bad} and the clusters are an old favorite that couldn't be easier to make. If you're a sucker for chocolate and peanut butter like we are in this house, then I think you'll find these quite addicting. Here's the recipe:

:: Chocolate Peanut Clusters ::

Ingredients:
~ 24 ounce package almond bark {I have only been able to find this in Walmart}
~ 11 ounce package of chocolate chips
~ 1 1/2 pounds Planter's cocktail peanuts

Directions:
1. In a heavy skillet over low heat, melt almond bark. DO NOT OVERHEAT. Stir in chocolate chips and continue stirring until thoroughly mixed.
2. Add peanuts, stirring constantly. Mixture should be heavy with nuts.
3. Spread wax paper on counter and drop clusters by the tablespoon.
4. After clusters cool enough to retain shape, store in a cool place or refrigerate.
5. ENJOY!


I added a little pop of color to the jars by tying some simple red & white baker's twine around each {addicted to twine!}.


Lastly, I digitally created a simple little tag to fit on top of the jar. I used double-sided tape to attach the tag, so it would be easy to remove for my neighbors.

**Click here to view the recipe for the peppermint bark I made last year for my neighbors. Another yummy & easy recipe!
**Just in case you're in need of a few last minute gifts, check out my GIFTING board on Pinterest. It's full of cute little gift ideas for neighbors, co-workers, friends, etc.
**Speaking of gifts, I'm finally ALL SET for this weekend. Can't wait for the fun that awaits us on Christmas morning!
**Wishing you and yours a BLESSED & JOYOUS Christmas. See you in 2012!

{Gifts} Idea{less}

Most of us want for nothing these days. This "presents" a bit of a predicament when trying to buy presents. I'm in desperate need of some new ideas because as of late, I'm fresh out.

I just put together this little gift for my girlfriend Nicole {her bday was last Friday -- I'm a little late -- ooops}. I bought a little giftbag from Target that can be reused as a lunch tote or something like that. Then I filled it with things she loves -- some crossword puzzle books, a new summer read that I've heard rave reviews about -- The Help, a giftcard to Dunkin' Donuts and lastly, I made her a bookmark for her new read. I've been boycotting cards for a while now because they are so expensive and usually go straight in the trashcan, so a simple handmade one it was. I punched a hole in it and attached it to the bag with some ribbon.

So...I've got a slew of gifts to buy this week for upcoming events. Did I forget to mention my budget is $20-25 per gift? Help!!! If I had endless funds then I could have all kinds of fun buying cute things;-}

{Gifts} What to Buy for a HS Graduate?

My cousin Leslie graduated from high school the other night and my entire family is attending her graduation party tonight. I've been out of high school for 15 years now, and haven't been to a graduation party in ages. What do you buy these kids these days? Money is probably the best gift, but it's always fun to get a few presents, too. My sister and I went in together (her gifts are not added yet in this pic) to put together a fun basket filled with all sorts of "collegey" goodies since Leslie will be going to Towson this fall.

Included in the basket:

~ fabric covered basket/bin {for books, magazines, whatever}
~ lamp {for college desk}
~ corkboards {to hang pics of all types of "to-be-had" fun college times}
~ pencil/pen/highlighter/marker/etc holder for desk
~ photo album
~ notecards {for handwritten notes back home to MOM & DAD to tell them how much they are missed}
~ lotions and loofah {a girl's gotta smell good}
~ candle
~ make-up bag/pencil case
~ Starbucks giftcard {for coffee when she pulls those all-nighters :)}

{Cards} Wedding Gift

I'm headed to a wedding in Cape Cod this weekend for my husband's cousin, Stephen, who is marrying his partner, Ron. Five couples went in on a really cool gift for Stephen and Ron, which includes lunch and a ferry ride for two to Nantucket, where the couple will stay at a beautiful spa and be able to use all of their ammenities. My mother-in-law asked me to create a card, so I "tried" to create a little poem explaining the gift.


All of the giftcards were different sizes, so I also had to make a huge envelope so that everything would fit.


Lastly, I wrapped the envelope with ribbon {their wedding colors are in the neutral family} to resemble a gift. Hope they like it!