Instant Caramel Cappuccino Mix

The weather here in Ohio has been pretty crazy.  First off, 2011 has been the rainiest year on record and as a result, our December has been warmer and greener than normal.   This has made it a bit harder to "get into" the winter holiday season.  Secondly, it seems that when we have a "dry" day, it's the misleading blue sky day where it looks beautiful but when you walk outside, you are met with cold temperatures and very brisk winds.  So, each December day has either been wet and warm (for December) or dry and cold!

A nice hot drink on either a cold day or a dreary day always seems like a hugh for my spirit.  And I'm not alone with this feeling.  It seems as though my kids drink a lot more cocoa, chai, or cappuccino on those types of days.  My daughter especially enjoys a good cup of  caramel flavored cappuccino.  Well, mom's love hugging their kids and seeing smiles on their faces so that means going to the kitchen to see if I can create a caramel cappuccino mix.  Here's what I put together!

Instant Caramel Cappuccino Mix

Equipment Needed:
Food Processor
Measuring Cups
Jars/Zip Lock Bags for Storage

Ingredients:
1 cup instant coffee
3 cups powdered dry milk (I prefer Sanalac brand but any will work)
1 1/2 cup powdered caramel coffee creamer
1 cup sugar
2 small boxes of instant butterscotch pudding

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the large blade. Blend until smooth and completely mixed.* Divide and store in air tight containers: canning jars, zip lock bags, etc.

How to Enjoy:
Place 3 or 4 heaping Tbsp of dry mix into your 8 oz mug. Add hot water, stir, and enjoy!

*I find that blending all of these mixes in a food processor helps to not only thoroughly mix all the ingredients but by making the mix more powdery aids in how well it all dissolves/mixes with the hot water and also keeps the ingredients from "settling".

Rasta Ladder Scarf

You guessed it, another Malabrigo Rasta Pattern.  I love how dropped stitches showcase the beauty of this yarn.  It seems that scarves with dropped stitches are usually worked from side to side (width wise).  I thought I'd turn this idea on its ear and work the scarf lengthwise and see how this turns out.  Well, take a look!

I think it turned out nicely.  As with all the other Malabrigo Rasta patterns I've posted, this is a project that can be easily completed in an evening!  If you have never done an elongated stitch before, here is a great video to help you out from Sapphires N Purls, a Knitting Blog (lots of great videos and tips here).  Here's the link to the video for you!

Rasta Ladder Scarf

Materials
1 skein Malabrigo Rasta (I used colorway Piedras)
32" or longer US 19 Circular needles

Gauge
2 stitches/inch but since this is a scarf gauge is not important

Finished Dimensions
72" x 4"

Instructions
Using long tail cast-on, cast on 103 stitches (be careful not to cast on too tightly)

Row 1:  Knit every stitch
Row 2:  *Knit 1 wrapping yarn twice around the needle* repeat for every stitch
  Note: You should have 206 stitches on your needle after completing row 2

Row 3:  *Knit 1 dropping the extra wrapped stitch*repeat for every stitch
  Note:  You should have 103 stitches on your needle after completing row 3

Row 4:  Knit every stitch
Row 5:  Knit every stitch
Row 6:  Repeat Row 2
Row 7:  Repeat Row 3
Row 8:  Knit every stitch
Row 9:  Bind off knitwise, loosely

Here is how your scarf will look close up



Have fun knitting and if let me know how it works out for you!

4you

Pinteresting #3

I always make a few new years resolutions.  This year, one of them will be to better organize items in our home. I have been searching Pinterest for inspiration.  Here are some amazing ideas I've come across.

First off, those board games and all the boxes..ugh!  It's always hard trying to find space to store them.  Well, take a look at this idea.  Frame and mount them on the wall!

board game storage idea! from http://www.infarrantlycreative.net

And the best part is...look where the pieces are stored!

I love this shopping list idea

What an amazing organization idea....beyond a Mom's Binder Family Organization Station from http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com

Look what a tension rod can do for Under the Bathroom Sink Storage

I'm going to have to find a ladder for this amazing book storage

I'm looking forward to an organized 2012!

4you

Dream DIY idea for 2012 -- Concrete Counter Top!

I have an old house (built in 1888) and have been dreaming of moving my kitchen into a different room and then turning my old kitchen into a laundry/craft room.  Since my dream plans have me putting in a new kitchen, I am looking for ideas that can keep costs down.  Well, I ran across such an awesome idea!  Look!!

These are concrete countertops!!!!  OMG, they are beautiful and would be much cheaper than granite or ceramic tile!  And the site I found this on even has a tutorial.  Here's the link!

Do It Yourself Concrete Countertops - Tutorial

The blog I found this on is http://kellymoorebag.com/blog.

Can you imagine all the wonderful food goodies I could create for my loved ones on a countertop like this!  I am so excited for 2012!!

4you

Boxing Day!

I hope everyone has been enjoying their winter holidays:  Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, etc.  My hubby, kids, and I have slowed down and focused on enjoying each other's company.  In fact, my hubby (who is a small  business owner and works about 70 hours each week), only worked a few hours Friday and Saturday and took the entire day off Sunday!  What a treat!

As a kid, I just knew of December 26 as being the day stores slashed prices on all their leftover holiday goods.  I had never heard of Boxing day until I married my husband.  All he knew was  that it was an English holiday, celebrated on December 26.  My husband surmised that this was the day the English "boxed" up all their holiday decorations.  I decided to look online to learn more about this holiday.

Here is an excerpt from www.about.com

When is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is the 26th of December and is a national holiday in the UK and Ireland.

Why is it Called Boxing Day?

Arguments abound on the origins of the name Boxing Day.

A 'Christmas Box' in Britain is a name for a Christmas present.

Boxing Day was a day off for servants and when they received a 'Christmas Box' from the master.  The servants would also go home to give 'Christmas Boxes' to their families.

A box to collect money for the poor was placed in Churches on Christmas Day then opened the next day.

Great sailing ships when setting sail would have a sealed box containing money on board for good luck.  If the voyage were a success the box was given to a priest, opened at Christmas and the contents given to the poor.

So although my husband did not have the meaning correct, he did have the origin and day correct!  To celebrate Boxing Day, we are traveling to spend the day with my parents.  We may also find some of those post-holiday deals.  What are you doing on  Boxing Day?

4you

Newspaper Gift Wrapping Ideas

Okay, I'm taking a break from holiday shopping, baking, and crafting.  I decided to look around for some ways to wrap my gifts.  Here are two amazing tutorials I found. Check them out!

How To Make A Bow

How to Make Gift Bags from Newspaper

4you

Winter Apothecary Jars

Here is a really cute and very easy decorating/crafting idea from the blog,  Artsy Fartsy Mama.  I think I will put this on my list to create some to decorate my house so the blahs of January aren't so blah.

click on Winter Apothecary jars to see her tutorial

Minty Kiss Cookies

You have probably had one of those peanut butter cookies that have a chocolate kiss on top.  Well, what would you think of a recipe that is easier and yummier (if you like chocolate and mint, that is).  Well, for those times when you have no time but want to make a big impact, try this one!

Minty Kiss Cookies 

Equipment:

Cookie Sheets

Either cooking (oil) spray or parchment paper

Mixer

Oven

Spatula

Cooling Rack

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 chocolate fudge cake mix

1/4 - 1 cup extra flour*
1/3 cup oil

2 tsp peppermint extract

1 package Hershey Kisses (unwrapped)

*The extra flour is not necessary but will make your cookies a bit softer and keep them from spreading out too much (they will retain their shape more).  The reason for the range of amount of flour is different brands of cake mix behave a bit differently.  You want to add enough flour so that your dough is no longer sticky and behaves more like bread dough.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the cake mix, four, peppermint extract, oil, and eggs.  Form dough into balls and place onto greased (or parchment paper lined) cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 9 minutes or until done. When you take the cookies out of the oven, place one Kiss on top of each cookie and press down slightly.  After about 5 minutes, remove cookies with a spatula and place on a cooling rack to cool.

4you

DIY Mint Serving Tray from Tutto Bella

How many times have you made goodies and then wondered how you were going to serve them?  I found a really easy and fun idea for a Do It Yourself Mint Serving Tray from Tutto Bella (www.tuttobellablog.com)..  Check it out!

DIY Mint Serving Tray

I think I'll have to get some starlight mints and make some of these!  Homemade goodies on a mint tray would make a wonderful gift for that someone special!

4you

Cappuccino or Chai Latte Anyone?

Okay, admit it, there's those few people you need to give gifts to that you really have no clue what to get them. Well, everyone eats and drinks so I usually turn to the kitchen when I am truly stumped. Here are three extremely easy yet very yummy drink mix recipes that will impress everyone on your gift giving list: two instant cappuccino mixes and one instant chai latte mix. In fact, once you are done, kick back and drink a mug yourself...you deserve it!

Instant Chocolate Hazelnut Cappuccino Mix

Equipment Needed:
Food Processor
Measuring Cups
Jars/Zip Lock Bags for Storage

Ingredients:
1 cup instant coffee
3 cups powdered dry milk (I prefer Sanalac brand but any will work)
1 1/2 cup powdered hazelnut coffee creamer
1 cup sugar
2 small boxes of instant chocolate pudding

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the large blade. Blend until smooth and completely mixed.* Divide and store in air tight containers: canning jars, zip lock bags, etc.

How to Enjoy:
Place 3 or 4 heaping Tbsp of dry mix into your 8 oz mug. Add hot water, stir, and enjoy!

*I find that blending all of these mixes in a food processor helps to not only thoroughly mix all the ingredients but by making the mix more powdery aids in how well it all dissolves/mixes with the hot water and also keeps the ingredients from "settling".


Instant Vanilla Hazelnut Cappuccino Mix

Equipment Needed:
Food Processor
Measuring Cups
Jars/Zip Lock Bags for Storage

Ingredients:
1 cup instant coffee
3 cups powdered dry milk (I prefer Sanalac brand but any will work)
1 1/2 cup powdered hazelnut coffee creamer or 1 cup powdered hazelnut coffee creamer + 1/2 cup french vanilla coffee creamer
1 cup sugar
2 small boxes of instant vanilla pudding

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the large blade. Blend until smooth and completely mixed.* Divide and store in air tight containers: canning jars, zip lock bags, etc.

How to Enjoy:
Place 3 or 4 heaping Tbsp of dry mix into your 8 oz mug. Add hot water, stir, and enjoy!

*I find that blending all of these mixes in a food processor helps to not only thoroughly mix all the ingredients but by making the mix more powdery aids in how well it all dissolves/mixes with the hot water and also keeps the ingredients from "settling".

Instant Chai Latte Mix

Equipment Needed:
Food Processor
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Jars/Zip Lock Bags for Storage

Ingredients:
1 cup powdered dry milk (I prefer Sanalac brand but any will work)
1 cup powdered coffee creamer**
1 cup french vanilla flavored powdered coffee creamer**
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
   ** If you just use 2 cups of french vanilla coffee creamer it will make your chai extra sweet

Mix all ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth and completely mixed.* Divide and store in air tight containers: canning jars, zip lock bags, etc.

How to Enjoy:
Place 2 heaping Tbsp of dry mix into your 8 oz mug. Add hot water, stir, and enjoy!

*I find that blending all of these mixes in a food processor helps to not only thoroughly mix all the ingredients but by making the mix more powdery aids in how well it all dissolves/mixes with the hot water and also keeps the ingredients from "settling".

Bring on the Holiday Treats

My daughter is back from the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Yea, the Ohio Bobcats won) and finally home for her Christmas break.  Today is our "baking day"!  The house will be filled with yummy smells and yummy treats!

To get in the mood, I was looking through some of the blogs I follow.  I have previously made a "quick" version of toffee where you assemble items like graham crackers, butter, chocolate and then bake it all in the over.  Well, I came across a posting from www.whatsupcupcakeblog.com that uses Cheese-its!  Take a look.

Cheese-It Toffee Bark

I think I'll have to add this to today's treats....the use of cheese-its intrigues me!  I'll see you when I get out of the kitchen!

4you

4 Hour Hat - Bulky

I always find is humorous how crafters are such optimists!  We all think that when it comes to making holiday presents, we are superhuman and can complete 100 handmade gifts in a month!    I am guilty of this.  I will work like a mad woman until the morning of Dec 24 and then I will say, "If it's not done now it's not getting done!"

My daughter said that her boy friend is in need of a new winter hat and that his favorite color is blue.  Well, I happened to have a skein of dark blue Lambs Pride Bulky yarn.  Here's what I whipped up in an evening.

I hope he likes it!  It was super easy and quick:  about 4 hours.  If you'd like to knit one up, here's the instructions

4 Hour Hat
A quick easy hat for the average adult head

Materials
1 skein Lambs Pride Bulky yarn or 125 yds of similar bulky weight yarn
1 16" US 11 circular knitting needle
1 set US 11 double point needles
Marker
Yarn needle

Gauge
14 stitches in 4 inches in stockinette

Skills
Long Tail Cast On
Knit Stitch
Purl Stitch
Knit 2 Together

Instructions
With your circular needles, cast on 60 stitches, using the long tails cast on method

Making sure you don't twist your stitches, join in a circle (slip the first cast on stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right with yarn in back) and place marker.
    (NOTE:  the marker will show the beginning of the round)

Brim
Round 1   *Knit 2 Purl 2* repeat for the entire round
Repeat Round 1 until you have 3 inches of ribbing

Body
Switch to stockinette stitch (knitting every stitch, every round) and knit until your hat is 9 inches measured from the cast on edge.

Crown Shaping
 (Switch to double point needles once you have too few stitches for your circular needle)

Round 1:  *Knit 10, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (55 stitches)
Round 2:  *Knit 9, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (50 stitches)
Round 3:  *Knit 8, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (45 stitches)
Round 4:  *Knit 7, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (40 stitches)
Round 5:  *Knit 6, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (35 stitches)
Round 6:  *Knit 5, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (30 stitches)
Round 7:  *Knit 4, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (25 stitches)
Round 8:  *Knit 3, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (20 stitches)
Round 9:  *Knit 2, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (15 stitches)
Round 10:  *Knit 1, Knit 2 together* repeat 5 times (10 stitches)
Round 11:  Knit 2 together 5 times (5 stitches)

Cut your yarn leaving about a 10 inch tail and using your yarn needle, thread your tail through the 5 live stitches and draw stitches together.  Weave in all ends!

4you

Caroling

When I was a kid, the day after Thanksgiving was the kick-off to the holiday season.  It was the day after Thanksgiving that stores and public places were all transformed into a holiday wonderland.  It truly made the season so magical.

The month of December was filled with spreading holiday cheer with neighbors, loved ones, and your community.  Everyone was joyful and shared their joy with tons of heartfelt goodies:  baked goods, cards, and of course caroling!

If you haven't been caroling in a while, it's fun!  Why don't you plan a caroling party and sing for your neighbors, a nursing home, or visit some shut-ins.  One of the beauties of caroling is you don't have to sing well and often times, those you are caroling for will join in....and you don't have to sing lots of songs, just a few.

To help you out, here's a 4 song caroling printable for you to share:  Caroling sheets.  It's a google doc I put together that has the lyrics for "Let it Snow", "Winter Wonderland", "Frosty the Snowman", and "Jingle Bells".  So invite some friends over for an evening of caroling, a cookie swap, and some hot cocoa!

4you

"You've Been Elfed" by Anders Ruff Custom Designs

Looking at Pinterest, I found this really cool idea that had been pinned by Lindsay of Artsy-Fartsy Mama.  If you are familiar with being "Booed" at Halloween, "Being Elfed" is similar.   I think this would be a great holiday activity for myself and my friends. Click on the link, "You've Been Elfed" to share some holiday cheer with your neighbors and friends!

You've Been Elfed

Christmas Subway Art

Okay, it's been crazy around here getting ready for the holidays and I haven't had a moment to share any ideas with you!  I've got some lined up so get ready!  The first thing is a pretty cool printable from the blog, www.smilelikeyoumeanit.net.  Take a look...

This is a cool printable you can download for yourself.  Here's the link  Christmas Subway Art from Smile Like You Mean It.  I think I will print this off and either frame it or decoupage it onto a canvass. 

4you

Pinteresting #2

Okay, I was looking around on Pinterest and found some cool ideas along with some new cool blogs/sites. Take a look!

25 handmade gifts under $5

This link has some great ideas.  The next three are some of what this link has to offer!

A great upcycle project from www.makeit-loveit.com
Lotion Bottle to Cell Phone Charger

A nice quick and easy ornament!
Ribbon Tree Tutorial

Here's a quick and easy yet fun cup cake decorating idea
Colorful Swirled Cupcakes

Some really fun, easy, and inexpensive ideas to brighten your day, holiday, your life!

4you

Lego Spongebob - Don't Be A Jerk It's Christmas (director's cut)

I just found this video!  It will put a smile on your face while you are busy with the craziness of the season.  So kick back and get ready to smile!

Easy Felt Garland from A Spoonful of Sugar Designs

Okay, I was searching for some new and easy ideas for Christmas presents and decorations.  I found this great idea for garland....and it isn't limited to Christmas!  You could do circles for any holiday or just for fun any day.  Take a look!

Easy Felt Garland from A Spoonful of Sugar Designs

I don't know if I will do this for Christmas or not...but it is definitely a project I will do!  Check out the blog at http://www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com for other cool ideas!

10 Days of Christmas from "Newlyweds on a Budget"

I just hopped on one of my favorite blogs, Artsy Fartsy Mama, and she was a guest blogger on the blog "Newlyweds on a Budget".  It's the cutest craft ever!  Here it is

Glass Snowman from Lindsay at Artsy Fartsy Mama

Isn't this just adorable!  And this is Day 2 of the 10 days.  Day 1 was a guest post from Natalie from Doodlecraft.

Candy Cane Bouquet from Natalie From Doodlecraft

Such cool ideas and two blogs I didn't know of before just now!  Why don't you follow them with me.  You can find Newlyweds on a Budget at  http://www.morganandkari.com and you can find Doodlecraft at  http://www.doodlecraft.blogspot.com/

Sewing Plans

Okay, you probably thought all I did was knit and occassionally cook.  Well, like most fiber enthusiasts, I also love to sew.  In fact, sewing was the first "home" art I learned as a child.  My mother taught me but she is such a sweet woman, she would tear out my mistakes and such.  When I was 13, I took a class at a Singer store in our mall and I didn't have my mom to fall back on.  That is when I learned to be an independent sewer and totally own my projects (mistakes and all!).

Like so many fiber arts, we learn them from our family and then either our children learn to love them as well or they feel the need to be independent and do not acquire these skills.  Fortunately, my daughter loves to sew (and craft) as well.  This means that while we were Black Friday/weekending it, we stopped by JoAnn's Fabrics and picks up some goodies.  Here's what we got!

My daughter loves cupcakes so this flannel jumped out at me!

Everyone has a friend that is always there through thick and thin...no questions asked.  Well, my friend is Kathleen and she has a westie and scottie dog....I'm thinking some napkins

My older son has a great sense of humor so I'm thinking some pajama bottoms out of this flannel

My husband likes to say he's "Scrooge" so I'm thinking some pillow cases

Our lovely 1 year old lab/beagle mix could use a pillow out of this fleece!

I think all of this will be pretty fun for my special someones....I just didn't find anything for my youngest son...yet!

Rice Bag Warmers Tutorial from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Lindsay, from artsyfartsymama.blogspot.com, has some really fun ideas.  For those of you looking for a quick, inexpensive gift you can make, Lindsay posted a great tutorial on how to make Rice Bag Warmers.  You could make them small and they could be hand warmers.  A little larger and you could use them as you would a hot water bottle.  And they are cute.

Homemade Rice Bag Warmers Tutorial from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Check out Lindsay' blog for other amazing ideas (she posted a wonderful and easy recipe for Rolo Brownies!)  Happy Crafting.....4you!

I found Hobbes!

Everyone has a favorite comic strip, or so it seems.  The guys in my life (hubby and sons) all LOVE Calvin and Hobbes.  They are all so bummed that Bill Watterson no longer writes this comic (and hasn't for so long).  Well guess what i found, a knitting pattern for Hobbes.  Check it out!

Hobbes knitting pattern

a pattern from http://browneyedbabs.blogspot.com

I may have to add him to my holiday knitting list!  What do you think?

Yarn, Needles, and a Movie!

It's December! I LOVE the holiday season. People begin giving thanks in late November and then all of December is about bringing joy to your loved ones and your community. There are food drives, clothing drives, cookie exchanges, gift exchanges, caroling....oh, so much! I'm getting to psyched!

As you know I have been on a knitted cowl kick using malabrigo rasta that I almost forgot about the tried and true scarf! With malabrigo rasta being so beautiful, I thought why not go back to basics and truly just knit a scarf. The challenge was how many stitches to cast on to ensure I only needed 1 skein of this beautiful yarn! Here is what I came up with!


Knit, Purl, and a Movie Malabrigo Rasta Style

Malabrigo Rasta is such a beautiful hand dyed yarn. Each skein is a work of art. Both of the scarves pictured are from the colorway, Archo Iris. I purposely wanted to show two scarves in the same colorway side by side so you can see the differences you will find in malabrigo yarns. They are so stunningly beautiful but with each being so individual, if you purchase this yarn online, you may not receive the "color" you think...but don't be disappointed! Think of this as a wonderful surprise! Whatever you make with this yarn will be stunning! The other benefit of malabrigo rasta is you don't have to use a bunch of fancy stitches to create a beautiful garment. The two scarves pictures just use knit and purl stitches. On the left, Scarf #1 (garter stitch) just uses the knit stitch and on the right, Scarf #2 (seed stitch) just uses the knit and purl stitches. Perfect movie or TV knitting! So grab a skein and see below on how to make this skein stretch into a lovely scarf!

Scarf #1 (garter stitch)

Materials
1 skein Malabrigo Rasta
US 19 Knitting needles

Gauge
2 stitches to the inch in garter stitch

Ending Dimensions
4" by 77"

Instructions
Cast on 8 stitches
Knit every row

Scarf with fringe: When you have 7 yards left, bind off loosely knitwise, weave in ends
Scarf without fringe: When you have 1 yard left, bind off loosely knitwise, weave in ends

If applying fringe, cut remaining yarn in 16 equal pieces, and then attach 8 pieces to each end of the scarf

Scarf #2 (seed stitch)

Materials
1 skein Malabrigo Rasta
US 19 Knitting needles

Gauge
2.25 stitches to the inch in seed stitch

Ending Dimensions
4.5" by 72"

Instructions
Cast on 8 stitches
Row 1 (K1,P1) repeat 3 more times
Row 2 (P1, K1) repeat 3 more times
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have either 1 yard left (no fringe) or 7 yards left (with fringe)

Scarf with fringe: When you have 7 yards left, bind off loosely knitwise, weave in ends
Scarf without fringe: When you have 1 yard left, bind off loosely knitwise, weave in ends

If applying fringe, cut remaining yarn in 16 equal pieces, and then attach 8 pieces to each end of the scarf

4you!