by | December 19, 2011 · 8:43 am

DIY Monogram Holiday Gift Tags

Keeping with the theme of personalized gift tags that Stef started, I dressed up my presents this year with monogrammed tags. If Stef’s tags were perfect for the wee illiterate, mine are just a tiny step forward – equally charming for eager toddlers as they are for adults. And the best part is that they’re super easy to put together!

What You’ll Need:
printer
scissors & Exacto knife
decorative papers
kraft paper or cardstock
twine
glue stick

Instructions:
1. Choose your favorite bold font and type the letters of your gift recipients into a Word document. I used Book Antiqua in size 150 pt.
2. Print off the pages of letters and cut them out.
3. Flip the letter over so that it appears backwards on the side of the paper that you don’t want to show. This will prevent smudgy pen or pencil marks on the “good” side when the letter is flipped over and oriented correctly. Cut out the letter using a scissors and an Exacto knife for inside spaces.

4. If you wish to have another color or pattern as an outline, repeat by tracing and cutting slightly larger than the edges of the actual letter.
5. Use a glue stick to affix onto cardstock or kraft paper tags.
6. Using a hole punch, punch a hole in the top of the tag and tie twine through.

HAP Holiday: Cookies, Wrappings and all the Trimmings!

Looking for more holiday ideas? Check out these ghosts of HAP Christmases past:
Cookies
Orange, Cranberry & Chocolate Chip Cookies
Christmas Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Valencia Delights
Lemon Ginger Tea Snowballs
Gingerbread Crinkles
Almond M&M Cookies
Easy Christmas Snacks
Gilded Lavender Butter Cookies

Wrapping
Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas
Last Minute Gift Wrap Ideas
Photo Gift Tags

Decor
Christmas Typography Sign
Quilled Paper Ornaments
DIY Winter Wreath
Holiday Tablescape

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by | December 16, 2011 · 8:00 am

{Holiday Gift Wrap} Photo Tags

It is hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner. Luckily, I’ve been ahead of the game this year (thank you Amazon) and my gifts are all purchased. This week I started to embark upon the task you love to hate and hate to love – wrapping. I toyed with the ideas of creating some of my own cute wrapping paper this year, but time got away from me. Instead, I am sticking to store-bought paper and some very personalized tags.

With little ones running around that don’t yet know how to read, I’ve created photo gift tags that they can identify themselves. It would also be fun to use old family Christmas photos or goofy pictures of your friends.

What you need:

Photos (or images printed on thick paper)
Colored Card Stock
Two-inch or larger square paper punch (or other shape)
Double sided tape, photo squares or a glue stick
Hole punch
Ribbon
Scissors

Place your photo inside the paper punch. Line up to frame the face and cut.

Using the same paper punch, cut shapes out of colored card stock.

Using tape or a glue stick, attach the card stock to the back of the photo. If you prefer, write a small note on the card stock.

Using the hole punch, place a hole in the upper corner of the tag. Slide through ribbon and attach to package.

How are you wrapping up your Christmas gifts this year?

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by | December 14, 2011 · 8:56 am

{Homemade Holiday Gifts} Chocolate Caramel Drizzle Chex

I love delivering homemade goodies to friends and neighbors this time of year.  I usually stick with the traditional cookie plate, however this year I came across this Caramel Chocolate Chex recipe and k new I wanted to try it.  It is incredibly easy to make and is a perfect little snack!

Chocolate Caramel Drizzle Chex

3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
25 Caramel Chews
2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Milk
1/4 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

In a large, microwavable, bowl mix the 6 cups of Chex cereal.

In a medium bowl, microwave the caramels, butter and milk for 2-3 minutes stopping ever minute or so to stir.  The mixture is done when the caramels are smooth and the mixture is well combined.

Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated.   Then, microwave the caramel coated cereal for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir after each minute, until the mixture just begins to brown.

Spread the cereal mixture on wax paper in order to cool.

In a small bowl, microwave the chocolate chips for about a minute or until smooth and melted.  Drizzle over the cooled cereal.  Let the chocolate harden, then store mixture in an airtight container.

I made a couple batches of this snack and placed them in colorful treat boxes that I found at Michael’s   There were the perfect gift to deliver to neighbors!

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by | December 12, 2011 · 8:01 am

{Obsessed with} Tartan Trimmed Wreaths

Each year for Christmas I tend to get hooked on some slight theme with my holiday decor and this year my obsession has been tartan trimmed wreaths. I’ve been in loving the classic Christmas vibe that a little tartan ribbon lends to the greenery. I went beyond just the front door, decking out several other rooms in wreaths as well to spread the festiveness and Christmas-y smells throughout the house.

The front door wreath, bought from our Boyscout neighbor, got the full treatment with a double tartan bow and lots of glittery mini ornaments.
Christmas wreath
On the side door and on the mirror in our master bedroom, I hung small candle rings with just a simple tartan ribbon.
wreath with tartan ribbon

For the built-in cabinets in my dining room I created mini wreaths by plucking branches from the backs of my candle rings (you don’t even notice they’re missing!) and arranging them in plain mini grapevine wreaths. Strung up by thinner tartan ribbons to match the smaller size, they tie in nicely with the nearby Christmas tree.

What’s your holiday decor style? Do you switch things up each year or stick with tradition?

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by | December 9, 2011 · 8:00 am

{Cookie Week} Zesty Mexican Wedding Cookies

This year for my family Christmas party, I’ve decided to switch it up and take a note from our country to the South and host a Feliz Navidad Mexican Fiesta (Stay tuned for more on that). Naturally, my mind turned to a favorite Christmas cookie of mine to finish off the meal, the Mexican Wedding Cookie. I’ve added my own citrusy twist to these nutty little powdered sugar nuggets, making them a great compliment to a fresh margarita.

Feliz Navidad

Zesty Mexican Wedding Cookies
Yields: approx. 2 dozen

1 1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp finely grated lime zest
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp fresh lime juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on baking sheet and toast in oven for 8 minutes, turning once halfway through.

In a food processor, pulse almonds, until finely chopped. In a large mixing bowl, mix almonds, flour, salt, cinnamon and zest until well combined.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and 1 C confectioners’ sugar until fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Add vanilla and lime juice and mix thoroughly. Slowly add almond mixture and mix until combined.

Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes, until light golden brown. Transfer to wire cooling rack. Dust warm cookies in 1/4 C confectioners’ sugar until coated. Allow to cool. Dust final cookies with extra powdered sugar, if necessary.

Feliz Navidad Amigos! Thanks for sharing Christmas carol cookie week with us!

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by | December 8, 2011 · 8:00 am

{Cookie Week} Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies

On Dasher! On Dancer! On Prancer! On Vixen! On Comet! On Cupid! On Donner! On Blizten! Do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph of course! In peanut butter cookie, chocolate pretzel and M&M form. I was inspired to make these reindeer cookies after viewing the old stop animation Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie with my son. The slightest bit creepy (if I dare to say) but festive none the less. Lincoln hasn’t stopped talking about reindeer since.

These adorable cookies are easy and fun to make, especially if you have little elves to help. If you don’t feel like making the peanut butter cookies from scratch, you can always use the slice and bake version, they will look just as cute!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Reindeer Peanut Butter Cookies
Yields 2-3 dozen

2 C Creamy Peanut Butter
2 C sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp vanilla
Brown and Red M&Ms
Chocolate Covered Pretzels (I used Snyders)

Preheat oven to 350. Thoroughly mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Allow the cookies to sit for one minute after taking cookies out of oven. Then, insert pretzels at a 45 degree angle in the top of each cookie to make ears. (Be careful, the chocolate will melt if it touches the hot baking sheet!) Insert brown M&Ms for eyes and a red M&M for the nose. Once set, move to wire cooling rack to complete cooling.

Merry Christmas!

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by | December 7, 2011 · 9:21 am

{Cookie Week} Coconut Macaroons

Walking in a Winter Wonderland…

This Christmas I wanted to try out some new cookie recipes along with my usual favorites. I came across these coconut macaroons created by Rachael Ray and knew I had to try them. These cookies are simple and delicious. A chocolate drizzle would give them an extra special touch!

Coconut Macaroons

2/3 cup sugar
3 Tbsp cold water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
One 14-ounce bag sweetened shredded coconut
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat to 375.

Place the coconut into a bowl and set aside.  In a small pan, bring sugar, water, corn syrup and salt to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.

Combine the sugar mixture with the sweetened shredded coconut and set aside to cool.

In a separate bowl, beat together 2 egg whites and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until it is foamy and thick.  Stir into the coconut mixture.  Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake about 10-12 minutes or until golden.

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by | December 6, 2011 · 8:39 am

{Cookie Week} Marshmallow Holly Wreaths

The Holly and the Ivy…

I have such wonderful memories of making these cornflake marshmallow wreaths with my Mom around the holidays.  They are so easy to make and kid friendly.  Best of all, they are so delicious!

Marshmallow Holly Wreaths
1/3 cup butter
35-40 regular sized marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring
6 cups Corn Flakes cereal
Red cinnamon candies

Measure out 6 cups of the cornflakes cereal into a large bowl.

In a double boiler, melt the marshmallows and butter until smooth.  Add the green food coloring and stir until well combined.

Add the marshmallow mixture into the cornflakes and stir until all of the cornflakes are covered with marshmallow.

Using buttered or damp fingers, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape into wreaths.  Add cinnamon candies quickly before the marshmallow sets.  Store in the refrigerator or an airtight container.

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by | December 5, 2011 · 7:53 am

{Cookie Week} White Christmas Cookies

After a week of virtual shopping, we worked up quite an appetite at HAP and during the holidays there’s just one thing that hits the spot – Christmas cookies! This year we’re putting a twist on things by drawing recipe inspiration from our favorite Christmas carols. So tie on your aprons, pop on that playlist and get ready to get into the spirit of things with us!

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…

Growing up when everyone else was watcing It’s a Wonderful Life, my family was singing and dancing to White Christmas so I couldn’t resist paying tribute to Bing and his crew with my carol cookies. These White Christmas cookies have a little red, a little green, a little merry and bright and of course…a whole lot of white.
christmas cookie recipes
White Christmas Cookies (Cranberry, Pistachio & White Chocolate Cookies)
1 C butter, softened
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
2 eggs
3 1/4 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp almond extract
1/3 C pistachios, shelled and finely chopped
1 C dried cranberries
3/4 C white chocolate chips, plus remainder of bag for drizzling

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, beat butter, sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt and beat. Beat in almond and vanilla extracts. Beat in flour, one cup at a time. Use a spatula to stir in cranberries, pistachios and chocolate chips, mixing well to disperse evenly throughout the dough. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop dough in equal sized balls onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Transfer cookies to two sheets of parchment paper to cool.

Place remaining white chocolate chips in a ziploc bag. Microwave for 1-1.5 minutes to melt chips. Use a scissors to clip a tiny bit off of one corner of the bag. Drizzle chocolate over cookies.

Makes about 4 dozen.
cranberry, white chocolate christmas cookies

Virtual Cookie Exchange!

We’re participating in a virtual Christmas cookie exchange over at The Avid Appetite! Rachel has gathered some of her favorite blogger friends who are all bringing their favorites holiday treats so be sure to stop by!

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by | December 2, 2011 · 7:50 am

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Haute Hostess

We’re wrapping up the gifts (pun intended) with our picks for those haute hosts and hostesses who put on all the fetes you’ll be attending this holiday season. Swing by next week for a full week of carols and Christmas cookie recipes!

Anne’s Picks

I adore Snow & Graham and especially love their colorful calendars.  A mini desk calendar is the perfect hostess gift to give around this time of the year and the pretty graphics will have her ready to turn the page to 2012.


1. Dining room measuring spoons ($24) 2. Snow & Graham Desk calendar ($16) 3. Home Sweet Home candle ($14.99) 4. Maple syrup sampler ($28) 5. Peppermint cocoa stirrers ($6.95)

Katie’s Picks

There’s just something about a crackling fire that makes a holiday morning feel cozier or a holiday party feel more intimate.  For your friends who don’t have the luxury of a working fireplace, Royal Apothic’s Edwardian Fireplace candle makes a great substitute and a nice alternative to the typical winter candle scents.


1. Edwardian Fireplace candle ($34) 2. Carafe (from $45) 3. Recipe box ($48) 4. Address stamp (from $18) 5. Reclaimed wood tray ($38) 6. Kitchen tools tea towels ($29)

Stef’s Picks

Likely, you will attend an abundance of holiday parties this year, or perhaps just looking for a gift for someone who loves to entertain. One of my favorite gifts this past year is to give personalized self-inking stamps. The “From the Kitchen of” stamp from Stamp Out Online makes a great gift for anyone who likes to share their recipes. And we all know, those are the best kinds of friends to have!


1. From the Kitchen Of Custom stamp ($27) 2. Kitchen magic whisk ($8) 3. Elephant salt & pepper shakers ($12.99) 4. Penzey’s Bakers assortment gift set ($29.95) 5. Music pillar candles ($16.50) 6. Sprinkles cupcake mix ($14.95)

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