Wrapped To Gift

Growing up my Grandma and Grandpa would bring a box of goodies from a local bakery to any gathering at my parents.  It was always a white bow with piece of red & white twine holding it all together.  I just liked the look of the box simply because I knew there were a ton of sweet treats in the box that my Mother would never have bought for us!

So now when I give a baked good as a gift I like to present it in a way that reminds me of my Grandparents' sweet treats.  And it beyond easy to create the "bakery look"!

All you need is parchment paper, red & white twine and a sweet treat.  For L's teachers I bake my banana bread recipe but instead of using one large tin I used four mini loaf tins and bake them for half an hour.  

Once the bread has completely cooled wrap it with the parchment paper much like you would a gift box.  Just make sure to tuck sides under.  (I guess you could tape them under but I never have.)

Then I take a long piece of baker's twine and double it on itself.  (Again this too is like wrapping a gift box.)  One trick that I find helpful is to place the ends of the twine under the top twine before I make my bow.  You can make sure that the twine is really snug this way.

Then simply make a bow and trim any extra twine if needed.  A cute and yummy gift!

You can also find me at Savvy Southern Style and No Minimalist Here.

Candle Light

Thank you all so much for your feedback on the desk!  M and I decided that I will paint the legs of his desk navy blue and stain the top.  The only thing I need now is warmer weather!  And unfortunately I have no control over this very cold spell we are under so today I worked on an "indoor" project.

I just love scented candles. I think that my love of them started at Providence College when BOP ran a free shuttle to the mall. A candle was a cheap way to instantly reinvent a cold dorm room. I was a big fan of Yankee Candle back in the day.

Now I favor two brands; Nest and Bath & Body Works.  High and low-end I know but I can't buy Nest candles all the time and not blow the household budget. That is why I have started wrapping B&BW's candles in burlap and twine for a cleaner look.

Simply peel off the sticker on the candle   I use the candle sticker to measure the width of my burlap.  Cut a strip of burlap that will wrap all around the candle with a little extra for overlap.  Then I secure the burlap to the candle with two "glue dots".  (I love those things!)  

Then I cut a piece of twine long enough to wrap around the candle and make a bow.  Lucky, I had B to help me tie the bow.  I am such a lucky mom to have a daughter who likes to help with DIY projects and crafts!

An easy and simple upgrade for any candle!  I lit ours last night for the warm smell and glow.  It is so cold here in NoVa.  I hope that you are all warm and toasty wherever you live!!!

I am linking up with Savvy Southern Style and Kelly's Korner

Not Store Bought Nog

I have been blessed to have many wonderful friends in NoVa.  These are dear friends that I know I could call at any hour of the day if we needed help.  In fact they feel more like family than just friends! 

So in the Christmas spirit we invited our near and dear friends over on Saturday night.  I started preparing for Saturday's dinner on Friday night.  I cleaned and made sauce for the lasagna but most importantly I made the egg nog!

Nine years ago a co-worker from Harold's (a now defunct clothing store) shared with me her family recipe for egg nog after much begging on my part.  The recipe calls for a LOT of eggs (separated), 2 pounds of powdered sugar, heavy cream, whole milk and too many cups of bourbon (Hubby's note- there is no such thing as too many cups of bourbon). Once mixed the egg nog in poured into 12 mason jars in true "Moonshiners" fashion.  

After dinner and crafts each family leaves with a jar of egg nog.  I have been told that it is a great "adult" goodie bag.  I hope it is since my friends deserve the best!