cinnamon oatmeal pancake mix [gift idea + recipe]

This year for neighbor gifts, we wanted to do something that would be useful and not contribute to the sugar overload that usually happens this time of year. So, we made {cinnamon oatmeal pancake mix} and packaged it up all cute. Thanks to my cousins for the great recipe!

It's a win-win. Easy for us. Convenient for the busiest time of the year. And cute. Not to mention they are so yummy! Here is how they turned out...

Here is the recipe:

Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancake Mix

ingredients: 

4 cups quick cooking oats

2 cups flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup non-fat dry milk

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

directions: 

mix all together. place in airtight container. store in a cool,dry place. use within 6 months. the entire batch will make 4 batches of pancakes. each batch makes 16-20 pancakes. 

to make pancakes:

in medium bowl, beat 2 eggs. beat in 3 Tbsp. oil gradually. alternately stir in 2 cups of mix and 1 cup of water. drop onto lightly greased skillet. when batter starts to bubble, turn pancakes over. cook about 2 to 3 minutes.

chocolate covered spoons + hot chocolate [gift idea]

I'm sending my little sister in Arizona a package so she can have a "White Christmas".

One of the things I included was chocolate covered stirring spoons. 

They were simple and fun to make! 

What you'll need: melting chocolate (or chocolate chips), crushed candy cane, and plastic spoons

Melt the chocolate for about 30 seconds or until it is completely melted. 

Then dip the spoon in the chocolate and sprinkle with peppermint before it cools.

Let it cool on wax paper for about 15 minutes. 

Package in cellophane and bundle with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

christmas sundaes

We made these festive sundaes for a dinner we hosted. It was a hit! 

Never underestimate what using a cookie cutter to shape your brownies can do!

Sprinkle shaved candy canes on top for extra festiveness.

festive nachos

If you want a quick and festive snack, make some festive nachos.


All you need:

red and green tortilla chips
cheese

Melt in the microwave for 30 seconds or for crispy nachos, use a toaster oven.

holiday muddy buddies

The dollar aisle at Target always has some great little treat bags. For a quick gift, consider snatching some up and filling them with chex muddy buddies.

Chex Muddy Buddies

9 cups corn or rice chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Measure cereal into large bowl and set aside. Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter or melt on stove. Add soon as it is melted, stir in vanilla. Pour this mixture over the cereal. Stir until evenly coated.

Pour into large ziploc bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag and shake until cereal is all coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

12 days of christmas

The 12 days of Christmas starts tomorrow! 

I posted this simple12 days of Christmas idea a few years ago in case you need a quick idea. 

***

Last year, I did 12 Dates of Christmas for my husband. 

This year, I'll be doing 12 days of Christm"US" 

with little gifts that are pertinent to just US 

since it will be our last Christmas before we become 3.

christmas stocking hangers [on a dime]

Back in June, I found these stocking holders at a thrift store for $1 each.  I definitely didn't like the colors, but I knew that could be fixed. For $1 I couldn't pass them up.  And yes, I know there are only 2 of us for now, but I had to pick up enough for when we have a bigger family.

I already had some silver spray paint from another project. I sprayed a few coats on all of them.

And now, they sit so prettily on our mantle. That's what I call festive on a dime.

winner announced and don't forget st. nicholas day!

Just a friendly little reminder to put out your shoes tonight.
St.Nicholas day is tomorrow and he just might leave a little gift in your shoe!
If you are new to this blog and aren't sure what St. Nicholas day is, this post might help. 

And now for the winner of the fun Christmas embellishments.

Congrats to...BECKY! Contact me at sofestive@gmail.com to claim your prize!

For the rest of you...stay tuned because there might just be another giveaway coming really soon.

happy 2 year anniversary! and giveaway!!

It has been exactly 2 years since this little blog started. It started out as a way for me to document all the festive ideas I come across. It still is that, but I have to say it has been fun to gather some readers along the way to share the festiveness with.

So to kick off the Christmas season, how about a giveaway  to help you get in the holiday spirit? The lucky winner will receive the following:

Cupcake Toppers from ML Paper Creations. 

They have such cute things. Check out all the other fun ideas here

AND these snowflake die cuts from PamCreates that would be perfect for a million things

AND these cute gift tags from Champagne Press

If you want to win these all these prizes, simply become a follower and leave a comment with your favorite holiday tradition by Friday, December 2nd at midnight. The winner will be announced Monday!