Very few items are needed and we purchased most of ours at WalMart.

Items:

Clear Cover contact paper, christmas cookie cutters, fabric paint in your desired colors, flour sack towels, masking tape, fine sharpie, pencils and scissors. (Littler hands will need an adult to cut.)

Instructions:

On the back paper side of the contact paper, take your fine sharpie and trace your cookie cutters.

Cut out your shapes.

Tape the corners of your towel to the table so it will not slip while painting.  It is also a good idea to have something underneath your towel so that the paint does not bleed through to your table!

Peel the paper backs from contact paper and lightly press them onto the dish towel.

Squeeze some paint onto a paper plate and with the erase end of the pencil, dip into the paint and make dots around your cut out shape.

Keep “dot” painting until you have a good coverage around your shape.  Make sure you also add some dots a little looser all around your shape.

Carefully peel off the contact paper from the towel.

Let these completely dry.

I know that your grandkids will love their masterpiece! Plus they will be so excited to give these as gifts.  I think we might also make some of these with their hand print and call them “hand towels”.

Either way that you make these, enjoy the holiday time with your precious grandchildren!

This Christmas Kitchen Towel Craft was adapted by I Can Teach My Child.   Thank you!

Here’s some more fun Christmas kids crafts!

Glitter Christmas Tree Ornaments

Marshmallow Snowman Craft

Cinnamon Stick Christmas Ornaments

The post Christmas Kitchen Towel Craft appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Peppermint Patties make such a great goodie gift and are surprisingly easy to make. 

One word of warning though.  When making these, do not put them with other candies or cookies on a plate or a container because that will make everything else taste like peppermint!  Speaking from experience…

Let’s get started.

Items Needed:

2 ½ – 3 cups powdered sugar, plus some for dusting
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
Decoration
Additional chocolate for drizzle

Instructions:

In a large bowl, beat 2 cups powdered sugar, and butter until well combined

Gradually add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until well combined
Add peppermint and vanilla extracts and beat until well combined
Gradually add more powdered sugar until mixture is stiff

Place mixture on a piece of parchment paper and roll into a log about 2 inches in circumference

Place in freezer to chill 20-30 minutes, or in refrigerator overnight
Using a sharp knife, cut log into pieces about ½ inch thick, roll into a ball using powdered sugar if dough is sticky

Using a glass dipped in powdered sugar, gently flatten ball into circle

Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet
Return to refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate
Add chocolate and shortening to microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds, stir
Continue heating for 20-30 seconds at a time and stirring after each heating
Stop just before chocolate is completely melted
Stir until smooth
Line another baking sheet with parchment paper
Remove patties a few at a time from the refrigerator and dip into chocolate

Let set until fully hardened.

Notes:
For drizzle – add melted chocolate to a plastic squeeze bottle and drizzle peppermint pattie after they are set
Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Print

Peppermint Patties

With creamy chocolate and a crisp, cool filling, these Peppermint Patties will become your new favorite holiday treat!

Course Candy, Holiday

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cooling 1 hour hour

Servings 16 Patties

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 - 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 TBL unsalted butter, softened
• 3 TBL Heavy cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 TBL shortening or coconut oil

Instructions

• In a large bowl, beat 2 cups powdered sugar, and butter until well combined
• Gradually add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until well combined
• Add peppermint and vanilla extracts and beat until well combined
• Gradually add more powdered sugar until mixture is stiff
• Place mixture on a piece of parchment paper and roll into a log about 2 inches in circumference
• Place in freezer to chill 20-30 minutes, or in refrigerator overnight
• Using a sharp knife, cut log into pieces about ½ inch thick, roll into a ball using powdered sugar if dough is sticky
• Using a glass dipped in powdered sugar, gently flatten ball into circle
• Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet
• Return to refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate
• Add chocolate and shortening to microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds, stir
• Continue heating for 20-30 seconds at a time and stirring after each heating
• Stop just before chocolate is completely melted
• Stir until smooth
• Line another baking sheet with parchment paper
• Remove patties a few at a time from the refrigerator and dip into chocolate
• Let set until fully hardened
• Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Notes

For drizzle - Add melted chocolate to a plastic squeeze bottle and drizzle on top of Peppermint Patties after they are set

Even if Peppermint Patties are not nostalgic for you like they are for me, whomever receives these as a gift will enjoy the creamy chocolate and crisp, cool center.  Pure holiday yum!

Hold on!  We’ve got some more great Christmas goodies for you!

White Chocolate Covered Cherries

Melting Snowman Cookies

The post Peppermint Patties appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

My grandkids in this family are 10, 7, 5 and 3.  Every one of them will love making this craft.  (They are BIG marshmallow lovers!)

Of course there will be plenty of eating chocolate on the way to make these so you may want to have some extra supplies on hand.

Marshmallow Snowman Craft

Items Needed:  Candy canes (If you can find straight peppermint sticks, those work great too), marshmallows, bag of black and vanilla frosting, orange gel, mini M&M’s, Hershey Kisses, Twizzlers,  and a screwdriver.   (Please clean before use!)

Instructions:

Remove plastic from the candy canes then break off the rounded top.

With the screwdriver, make a hole all the way through in the  marshmallows.

Insert the candy cane or peppermint stick into three marshmallows.

Place a dollop of white frosting in the hole of the top marshmallow.

Using the frosting as “glue” place a Hershey kiss on top for the hat.

Take a thin rope from the Twizzlers and tie around the “neck” of the snowman. 

With the vanilla frosting, “glue” some mini M&M’s onto the snowman as buttons.

With the black frosting, make two eyes for Mr. Snowman!

Make the carrot nose with a line of the orange gel.

Let the Marshmallow Snowman dry for a little while to help the frosting “set”.

Our cute little Marshmallow Snowmen are now ready to give away as a goodie gift.  That is, only if they don’t get eaten first!  No guarantees….

This craft was adapted from Baby Gizmo.

Two more fun Christmas Crafts for the kids:

Glitter Christmas Tree Ornament

Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

The post Marshmallow Snowman Craft appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With a wonderful nutty flavor sprinkled with powdered sugar these never last for long. Which is why it might be good to double the batch.   Here we go!

Snowball Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup pecans, finely chopped
Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
In a large bowl, beat together butter, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined

Mix in salt and flour until well combined

Stir in nuts

Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown
Remove from oven and cool slightly, about 2-3 minutes, on a wire rack
Add powdered sugar to medium bowl.

Roll cookies in powdered sugar and place on wire rack to cool completely

Store in airtight container.

Print

Snowball Cookies Recipe

It's not Christmas around our house until these cookies get baked. With a great nutty flavor sprinkled with powdered sugar, they will soon become a family favorite for you too.

Course Cookies, Holiday

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 9 minutes minutes

Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
• In a large bowl, beat together butter, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined
• Mix in salt and flour until well combined
• Stir in nuts
• Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown
• Remove from oven and cool slightly, about 2-3 minutes, on a wire rack
• Add powdered sugar to medium bowl
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar and place on wire rack to cool completely
• Store in airtight container

A wonderful addition to these cookies is eating them with some creamy hot chocolate.  It’s beginning to feel like Christmas already!

MORE great Christmas goodies!

English Toffee

Christmas Fudge

The post Snowball Cookies Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Historically Charcuterie Boards were created with artfully arranged cured meats and cheeses.  Nowadays you can make pretty much anything into a Charcuterie Board.

Including a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board.

These are extremely easy to make which makes it a fun thing to do with your grandkids.  My sister Tracy’s two little granddaughters helped with this Charcuterie Christmas Tree and then promptly ate almost the whole thing! 

Their mom was surprised because usually the girls only like “orange” cheese but they gobbled up all of the cheese. 

I think that letting kids help with dishes like this really helps them become invested and much more interested and willing to try new foods.

Just watch the cute little hands below as they help to create this beautiful masterpiece!

Items Needed:

Cranberries, seedless red, green and purple grapes, star fruit, kiwi, fresh evergreen sprigs, one large stalk of celery, thyme, rosemary or mint leaves, and a variety of cheeses.  We chose extra sharp white cheddar, a dill havarti and an italian fontal caravaggio cheese.  Really, any white cheese will do.  Or even “orange” cheeses will work!

Instructions:

Cut up your cheeses into cubes and also slice the kiwi and star fruit.

On a charcuterie board, start by laying out your evergreen sprigs.

Starting at the bottom, layer your first row of cubed cheese.

Follow the cheese by a row of grapes.  Whatever color you prefer.

Then continue to the top of the three as shown below:

When your layers are done, garnish with the sliced kiwi and the star fruit.

Sprinkle with fresh cranberries.

Finish with adding some thyme, rosemary or mint leaves.

So put your grandkids to work and then get prepared for a beautiful feast! 

Recipe adapted from Muy Bueno Cookbook

Are you loving the Charcuterie idea?  Here’s another great one that we have for you!

Charcuterie Platter for Kids Snacks

The post Christmas Charcuterie Board appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

When my own kids were little, they used to love hanging ornaments on the tree that they personally made.  My grandkids are no different and I know that they will love hanging this cute little reindeer on their tree.

Plus who doesn’t love the wonderful Christmas smell of cinnamon? 

Here is what you will need for this craft:

Glue gun, scissors, sparkly yellow paper, red christmas bells, colored twine, cinnamon sticks, red and green buttons and some googley eyes.

Instructions for the tree:

Cut two pieces of cinnamon sticks about 3 inches long.

With a glue gun (please use adult supervision with littler kids!) glue one cinnamon stick perpendicular to the other cinnamon stick

Cut two more cinnamon sticks a little smaller than the bottom stick.

Glue them onto the “base” cinnamon stick

Glue your red and green buttons onto the “branches”. It’s fun if the buttons are different sizes.

Cut out a star out of the yellow sparkly paper.

Glue on to the top of the tree.

Cut your twine and then fold in half.   Glue this onto the back of the cinnamon stick.

This cute little tree is now ready to hang!

Instructions for the Reindeer Ornament:

Cut three pieces of cinnamon stick about 3 inches long.

Cut your twine, fold in half and then glue in the middle of one stick.  Please use adult supervision when using a glue gun with littler kids!

With a glue gun, glue two pieces together to form a “V”.

Glue the last cinnamon stick across the other two cinnamon sticks.

Glue a red jingle bell at the point of the cinnamon stick to form Rudolph’s nose.

Glue on the googley eyes.

Rudolph is ready to fly through the sky! 

We hope that your grandkids love these Cinnamon Stick Ornaments and that they will remember making them with you for years to come!

Wait! We’ve one more Cinnamon Stick Ornament for ya!

Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree

The post Cinnamon Stick Ornaments appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I have to admit, it does make them look rather special.

Whether you make these for a cookie exchange or are making them for grandkids, this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe will be a favorite. 

Ingredients:

4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
½ cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl
Heat for 30 seconds, stir and continue heating for 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating until completely melted

Set aside to cool
In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar and melted chocolate

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition

Add vanilla and beat well
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt

Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined

Transfer to bowl and cover with plastic wrap

Place in refrigerator to chill several hours or overnight
Remove from refrigerator and set on counter about 20 minutes to warm up slightly
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat
Place powdered sugar in medium bowl
Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set
Remove from oven and let set on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes

Transfer to wire cooling rack and cool completely
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Print

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These festive Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a favorite for cookie exchanges or just to make for family. You might want to double the batch!

Course Cookie, Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs large at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

• Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl
• Heat for 30 seconds, stir and continue heating for 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating until completely melted
• Set aside to cool
• In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar and melted chocolate
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
• Add vanilla and beat well
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt
• Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined
• Transfer to bowl and cover with plastic wrap
• Place in refrigerator to chill several hours or overnight
• Remove from refrigerator and set on counter about 20 minutes to warm up slightly
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat
• Place powdered sugar in medium bowl
• Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set
• Remove from oven and let set on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes
• Transfer to wire cooling rack and cool completely
• Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Watch for more Christmas Cookies to come!

Need more cookies for a Christmas Cookie Exchange?  Here you go!

Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

Melting Snowman Cookies

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe

The post Chocolate Crinkle Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I know that they will be so proud to put these on their Christmas tree.

They would also be very cute attached to a Christmas goodie that you are giving to your neighbors.

Or attached to a wrapped present.  So many fun ways to use these!

Let’s get ready.

Glitter Christmas Tree Ornaments

Items needed:

Clear, plastic ornaments (we purchased ours from Hobby Lobby)
Beacon Glitter It or polyethylene finish (You can purchase this from Amazon HERE )
Red and Green Glitter
Funnel
Cup, for excess glue and/or glitter
Ribbon
Scissors
Glue dots or hot glue

Instructions:

Remove the tops from the ornaments. Pour a small amount of “Glitter It” into the ornament and slowly swirl around until the inside is coated.

Remove the excess Glitter It by pouring into a cup.
Using a funnel, pour glitter into the ornament and shake around until completely coated.

Tap the ornament upside down over a different cup to remove excess glitter.
If a thicker coat of glitter inside the ornament is desired, allow the ornament to dry and repeat the previous steps.

Let ornament dry completely.

Once the glue is dry, replace the cap.
Cut ribbon to the desired length and tie into a bow.
Using either a glue dot or hot glue, attach the ribbon to the ornament. If using a hot glue gun with children, please provide adult supervision.

You can make these with any color glitter to match your tree, wrapping paper etc.  I’ll ask my grandkids what color they want to use to see what they come up with. So fun!

More Ornament Fun!

Cinnamon Stick Christmas Ornaments

Craft Stick Christmas Tree Ornament

The post Glitter Christmas Tree Ornaments appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It is great to have this on hand so that you’ll be ready to go for your fall apple pie dishes.

It only takes 5 minutes to make and you won’t have to hunt for what you need.

Apple Pie Spice Recipe

Ingredients:
¼ cup ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together

Store in an airtight container.  It yields 5 tablespoons which should be plenty for lots of baking!

Print

Apple Pie Spice Recipe

A great spice mix for all your fall apple dishes

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 5 tablespoons

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp ginger

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together.
• Store in an airtight container

MORE APPLE-Y GOODNESS!

Salted Caramel Apple Pies

Apple Pie Caramel Apple

The post Apple Pie Spice Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

This green bean casserole recipe is easily doubled if you are expecting a crowd.  Easily the best thing about this recipe is the crunchy onions on the top which add such a great flavor.

Another easy thing about this recipe is that it takes almost no time in the kitchen.  Easy to prepare and quick to cook.

One of my most favorite memories of Thanksgiving is that of my great uncle Ira.  He believed that dessert (pie) should be eaten first at a Thanksgiving meal and that he did.  We kids thought it was hilarious when he would be eating his pie while we were starting on our turkey.

Whether you eat these green beans before or after your pie, you won’t be disappointed.  Don’t forget to loosen your belt to make room!

Print

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Course Side Dish

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• 3 cans 14.5 oz each green beans, french style or cut, drained
• 1 can 10.75 oz cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 6oz can french fried onions

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• In a large bowl, combine drained beans, soup and milk until well combined
• Stir in ½ cup fried onions
• Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly
• Bake for 25-30 minutes
• Remove from oven and add remaining fried onions
• Bake for 5 minutes longer
• Serve immediately
• Store leftovers in airtight container

Notes

For 13x9 baking dish, double the recipe

And now for pie!

MORE Thanksgiving ideas!

Rice Krispie Turkey Drumsticks (for the kids!)

Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

The post Green Bean Casserole Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It’s the most wonderful time of year again, which means it’s time to deck the halls with boughs of holly! If you need some fresh ideas, check out our list of 101 gorgeous DIY Christmas decorations!

A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland!

1. Shutter Snowman– Shutters are so fun to decorate, and we love this idea for shutters from Let’s Create Events.

2. Pallet Christmas Trees– Our Home Made Easy

3. Jingle Bell Strap– I hope one day to wake up to the sound of sleigh bells dashing through the snow. Until then, I will just give this bell strap from The Wood Grain Cottage a good shake!

4. Snowman Luminarie– Ginger Snap Crafts‘s luminaries not only are a cute decoration, but are a fun kids’ craft too!

5. Snowflake Wall Hanging– We love this simple, rustic decoration from The Crafted Sparrow.

6. Painted Snowman Logs– If you want to make a snowman, but not necessarily be in the snow, you’ll love Hip 2 Save ‘s snowman logs!

7. Evergreen Table Runner Center Piece– Add some beautiful, vibrant color to your home with Home Is Where the Boat Is‘s table runner.

8. Easy Rustic Snowman Ornament– Easy? Count me in! Find this diy at The Inspiration Edit.

9. No Sew Christmas Tree Pillow– That’s right! No sew! You’ll love On Sutton Place‘s tutorial!

10. Yarn Wrapped Snowman– We love the simplicity in Frugal Mom, Eh!‘s snowmen.

11. Sock Snowman– You can make this cuddly snowman at My Humble Home and Garden.

12. Fishbowl Snowman– Oh So Lovely!‘s snowman likes warm hugs!

13. Evergreen Outdoor Planters– These planters from Threads & Blooms will add a vibrant, green freshness in the middle of all the snowy white.

14. Mason Jar Snowman– We love mason jar crafts (as you’ll soon see!) and think this craft from PJs and Paint is a fun addition to Christmas time!

15. Fleece Cone Christmas Tree– Don’t these look so fancy?! Make them yourself with this tutorial from Happy Happy Nester.

16. Sugar String Snowmen– For anyone looking for a show stopper that’s secretly really easy to make, try out Kids’ Activities‘s snowman!

17. Modern Wooden Christmas Tree Set– If you like more of a modern look, than try out Curbly‘s diy trees!

You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen….

18. Farmhouse Reindeer Name Sign– For those of us who have a hard time remembering all the different reindeer names, The Girl Creative has the perfect sign for you!

19. Burlap Reindeer Garland– How cute are these reindeer from Create Craft Love?!

20. Rose Gold Glitter Reindeer– In case you don’t think your reindeer is magical enough, add some glitter with KA Styles‘s tutorial!

21. Clothespin Reindeer Ornament– Looking for an easy craft to do with the kids? Try our reindeer clothespin ornaments!

22. 3D Reindeer– I have always wanted to know how to make these reindeer decoration! I see them everywhere! Thanks, The Crafty Blog Stalker!

23. String Art Reindeer– For those who are obsessed with string art (like me!), you’ll love Clean and Scentsible‘s tutorial!

24. Reindeer Christmas Sign– We love the antlers on One Thousand Oaks Home Decor‘s sign!

25. Rudolph the Reindeer Tulle Wreath– This wreath is for all you Rudolph fans out there! Check it out at Baby Rabies.

26. Felt Reindeer Ornament– This ornament from Big Family Blessings is fun to make for the whole family!

27. Reindeer Pillow– Since most of us won’t be cuddling with reindeer any time soon, here’s the perfect substitute from Our Southern Home!

28. Reindeer Christmas Mason Jar– Polkadot Chair‘s makes a great gift for friends and neighbors!

You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town!

29. Front Porch North Pole Arrow– In case you need directions to the North Pole, here’s this helpful sign from The Happy Scraps!

30. Santa Belt Wreath– Who would Santa be without his iconic belt? Find this craft at Suburban Mom.

31. Santa Chimney Mishap– I mean, it has to happen some times, right? Big man, little chimney. Good thing he’s magic! Check out the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.

32. Rustic Christmas Santa Mailbox– It’s so beautiful, I’m tempted to use this mailbox from TeeDiddlyDee all year long! Would that be weird?

33. Santa Stop Here Sign– Put your worried child’s mind at ease with this sign from Jaime Costiglio. There’s no way Santa’s missing this house!

34. Santa Cam Ornament– I know my kids will definitely be checking for real footage from A Little Moore‘s ornament!

35. Santa Salt Dough Handprint Ornament– Messy Little Monster‘s Santa craft is both a keepsake and an ornament rolled into one!

36. Santa Claus Wall Hanging– Brighten up the room with this cute decoration from Always the Holidays.

37. Clay Pot Santa– This simple decoration from Craft Ideas is so well disguised, I didn’t even realize they were clay pots!

38. Foam Santa Face– This decorationf from A Girl and A Glue Gun is not only beautiful, but it’s actually pretty easy to make.

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

39. Shadowbox Nativity Scene– Make this gorgeous nativity at Tracy Lynn Crafts.

40. Easy Burlap Angel Ornament– Burlap always adds such a nice, homey touch, don’t ya think? Learn to make these cute angels at Gym Craft Laundry.

41. Nativity Blocks with Tree Shelf– I’ve always loved the hands-on nativities that children can touch and feel. I think it really brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. Make It & Love It‘s block nativity fits the bill perfectly!

42. Peg Doll Nativity– Laura Radniecki‘s nativity set is full of sweet simplicity.

43. “Joy to the World” Wood Sign– Joy to the World   is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Hazel + Gold Designs‘s sign is a pefect way to share its message!

44. Silhouette Nativity– Recreate that sacred night for all to see with Life Should Cost Less‘s nativity.

45. Adore Him Ornament– Renovated Faith ‘s ornament is a perfect little reminder of the Reason for the season!

46. Tiny Star Wall Hanging– One thing I love about Delineate Your Dwelling‘s decoration is that you can use it for Christmas, or your can keep it up year round!

47. Nativity Painting– If you’ve ever wanted to paint your very own masterpiece, check out Melissa Lewis Art‘s nativity tutorial!

48. 3D Paper Star– Wow your guests with Gathering Beauty ‘s stars!

49. Nativity Stocking Hangers– A nativity that also doubles as stocking holders. What a great idea! Find it at My Love 2 Create.

50. O Holy Night Sign– Learn how to create this simple, rustic sign at The Idea Room.

51. Nativity Paper Lantern– Create a cozy glow with Designs By Miss Mandee‘s lanterns.

52. Printable Nativity Banner– That’s right! A printable nativity! It doesn’t get easier than that! Go to Paper Trail Design to find it.

53. Nativity Story Stones– Your kids will love helping you create this nativity from Rainy Day Mum.

54. “Wise Men Still Seek Him” Gold Foil Print– I love this Christmas reminder from Kristen Duke Photography .

55. Mid-Century Heirloom Nativity– Isn’t this nativity gorgeous?! A classic that can be used for generations! Learn how to make it at The House that Lars Built.

56. No Sew Felt Nativity Finger Puppets– These puppets from Everyday Jenny are perfect for little hands to play with!

57. Rustic Light-Up Christmas Sign– This sign from The American Patriette is the perfect way to light the holidays!

There are so many things you can do with mason jars, especially at Christmas time! Yeah, I know. I couldn’t think of any Christmas jingles about mason jars…. 

58. Snowy Mason Jars– These jars from A Pumpkin and A Princess cast a cheery glow, perfect for snowy, cold days.

59. Christmas Sweater Mason Jars– Nothing quite as cheery as a Christmas sweater and some hot cocoa. Get the Christmas sweater vibes with It All Started with Paint‘s mason jars.

60. Christmas Tree Cut Out Mason Jars– These mason jars from Mason Jar Crafts Love will make the perfect addition to any fireplace mantel.

61. Elf Jar Craft– These cute treat jars from Food, Crafts, and Family make a fun gift or decoration.

62. Stenciled Mason Jar Candle Holder– Spread the “joy” with these fun jars from Soapbox Creations.

63. Holiday Luminaria– The soft glow from The Budget Decorator‘s luminaries create a cozy, warm atmosphere.

64. Magical Christmas Lanterns– Adventure in a Box‘s mason jars are filled with Christmas magic!

65. DIY Anthropologie Mason Jar Snow Globes– Create your own winter wonderland with Simple Craves & Olive Oil‘s snow globes.

66. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments– Mason jars are so wonderful, even their lids make beautiful decorations, like these ornaments from Clean and Scentsible!

67. Quick and Easy Snowy Mason Jar– Create a rustic atmosphere with Homestead Acres‘s homey jars.

68. Buffalo Check Mason Jars– Can we all vote to make red and black buffalo check a year round thing? Find these jars at Fresh Vintage by Lisa S.

There are so many beautiful ideas for wreaths, I wish I could make them all!

69. DIY Deco Mesh Tree Wreath– DIY Cuteness‘s wreath is the perfect festive addition to your door.

70. Candy Cane Wreath– What would Christmas be without peppermint and candy canes? Check out this sweet wreath at Big Bear’s Wife!

71. Floral Winter Wreath– Brighten up winter with The Wreath Depot‘s floral wreath.

72. Elf with Striped Hat & Legs Wreath– Greet guests with this cheery wreath from Trendy Tree.

73. Christmas DIY Wreath–  This wreath from Home Talk is filled to the brim with jolly Christmas colors!

74. Winter Wonderland Wreath– Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but this wreath from Yarn Over and Bake is sure delightful!

75. Candy Cane Wreath– That’s right, we have not one, but two candy cane wreaths! This one from Craft Outlet is shaped like a giant candy cane.

76. Winter Mesh Wreath– Just looking at this wreath from Darice makes me want to sit by a fire with some hot cocoa!

77. Burlap & Mesh Poinsettia Wreath– One thing I love about Shambray‘s poinsettia wreath is that you can do the same thing with different colors to make a sunflower wreath in the summer. How cute is that?

78. Winter Pom-Pom Wreath DIY– Modern Glam‘s wreath looks like it’s covered in snowballs. Warm, fluffy snowballs…. if only that were a thing….

79. Christmas Ornament Wreath– Christmas ornaments are not only wonderful on the tree, but also in other decor, like Crazy Little Projects‘s wreath!

80. “Let It Snow” Christmas Wreath– If you’re ready for snow, you’ll love The Happy Housie‘s wreath!

81. Pinecone Wreath– One of the best parts about winter decorating is definitely the pinecones! Find this beauty at Remodelaholic.

82. Easy Christmas Rag Wreath– Who knew cute wreaths could be so easy? Learn how to make this one at Vintage Paint and More.

83. Grinchy Wreath– If you love this classic Christmas story, you’ll love this wreath from Country Mom Party Goddess.

84. Poinsettia Wreath– The red flowers on the white make the colors pop on Scratch & Scritch‘s elegant wreath.

85. Ornament Wreath– Teaspoon of Nose‘s ornament wreath is bursting with festive ornaments!

86. Christmas Swag Wreath– I never knew what a swag wreath was until I saw Fynes Designs‘s. Pretty and simple.

87. Christmas Buffalo Check Hoop Wreath– I love how unique and different Domestically Creative‘s hoop wreath is.

88. Fresh Evergreen Wreath– Bring the winter forest home with An Extraordinary Day‘s evergreen wreath.

89. Rustic Wreath– Is it weird that I want to snuggle with this wreath from Little Yellow Wheelbarrow?

90. Burlap Christmas Wreath– What is it about burlap that makes it such a wonderful decoration? I mean, how cute is this wreath from What’s Ur Home Story? It’s the burlap. It is the answer to everything.

91. Grapevine Ornament Wreath– We love the colors that Mommy Suite uses in this ornament wreath.

92. Dollar Store Snowflake Door Hanger– That’s right! This door hanger from Staying Home Sawyer is made from dollar store items. Cute and thrifty!

93. Grinch Wreath– Which Grinch movie was your favorite? I have to admit, the newest animated one from Illumination was pretty good. My kids loved it anyway. They loved it so much, in fact, they would go crazy over this wreath from Leap of Faith Crafting.

94. Buffalo Plaid Wreath– That’s right. More buffalo check. You can never have enough buffalo check! Especially when you can make cute wreaths like this one from This Is Our Bliss!

95. Snowman Wreath– Make your own Frosty the Snowman with Southern Charm Wreaths‘s tutorial.

96. Winter Snowball Wreath– Don’t worry! These snowballs from Addicted 2 Decorating won’t melt away!

97. Winter Loop Yarn– You will not believe how easy it is to make this elegant wreath from The Navage Patch.

98. Tulle Snowman Wreath– 365 Fun‘s snowman is a perfect project for a cold winter day.

99. Holly Berry DIY Ribbon Christmas Wreath– This berry wreath from Polkadot Chair has me feeling merry and bright!

100. Christmas Ribbon Wreath– This simple tutorial from Shelterness makes a beautiful wreath!

101. Drop Cloth Wreath– This wreath from Thistle Wood Farms is elegant and only requires a few items to make!

The post 101 Gorgeous DIY Christmas Decorations appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

There are so many reasons to love the holiday season: the lights, the snow, the Nativity, family, friends, music! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I have to admit though- my favorite part (aside from the celebration of Jesus Christ) is definitely the treats. I like to call Christmas season, “Let-out Season,” because in a couple weeks, I’m going to have to let out my jeans. Mercifully, New Year’s will come and January will be spent working off all those pounds as part of my resolution. If you’re anything like me and live for holiday baking, then you’ll love our list of 101 cookies to bake this Christmas!

Take out the hand rolling and make cookies into easy to cut bars. 

1. Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars– These cookie bars from Together as Family are named after Santa because they are his favorite.

2. Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars– The pistachio pudding adds a festive green color to these cookies from Creations by Kara.

3. Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars– You know if it has the word, “gooey,” in it, it’s going to be good. Find this cookie at Recipe Girl.

4. Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting– Forget gingerbread houses! Try Lauren’s Latest‘s gingerbread bars instead!

5. Magic Cookie Bars– What makes Living Well Mom‘s cookie bars magic, you ask? Not only are they easy to make, but they are absolutely delicious! I’d say that’s pretty magical!

6. Buddy the Elf’s Spaghetti Cookie Bars– If you try to stick to the four main food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, you’ll love 12 Tomatoes‘s fun recipe!

7. Peppermint Cookie Bars– One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the addition of peppermint into everything, like these cookie bars from Bake It Paleo!

8. Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars– What is it about cranberries and white chocolate that makes them the perfect combination? These cookies from Unicorns in the Kitchen look so dreamy!

9. Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars– Swanky Recipes‘s shortbread bars make a beautiful, festive presentation!

10. Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars– Chocolate- good. Caramel- great. Put them together- AMAZING! Try Salty Side Dish‘s chocolate caramel cookie bars for amazing flavor!

11. Home-made Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars– For fans of this classic cookie, you’ll love The Baking Chocolatess‘s recipe.

If I lived in a house made of gingerbread, I would definitely not be interested in eating children. I mean, c’mon. It’s a house made of gingerbread! 

12. Caramel Stuffed Soft Gingerbread Cookies– The picture already has me drooling. Find these cookies at Belle Vie.

13. Frosted Gingerbread Cookies– If gingerbread is already delicious, can you imagine it with frosting? Baker by Nature‘s got it right with their cookies!

14. Gingerbread-Raspberry Sandwich Cookies– Flour Arrangements‘s sandwich cookies look both dainty and tasty!

15. Gingerbread Cookies-For anyone looking for a classic gingerbread recipe, look no further than Sally’s Baking Addiction!

16. Soft Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies– Sugar Hero‘s cookies are sure to wow everyone at your next cookie exchange party! So elegant!

17. Eggnog Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies– A Cookie Named Desire combined to classic Christmas treats into one with this recipe!

18. Gingerbread Cookie Bites– How fun are these mini cookies from Butter with a Side of Bread?

19. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies– Forget Oreos! Christmas time calls for these whoopie pies from Carlsbad Cravings!

20. Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting– Taste of Home‘s cookies are sure to become a new family favorite this year.

21. White Chocolate Peppermint Ginger Snaps– Oh, Sweet Basil‘s ginger snaps have “delicious” written all over them!

I love sugar cookies any time of the year, but for some reason, they just seem to especially fit for Christmas. They’re cheery and colorful, just like the Christmas season.

22. Sugar Cookie Truffles– Did you know you could make sugar cookies into truffles? Neither did I until I saw If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen‘s recipe. My life has been changed.

23. Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Truffle– A sugar cookie truffle homage to the iconic candy cane. Try this treat at Tastes of Lizzy T.

24. Sprinkled Spiral Sugar Cookies– Is it just me, or are Pip & Ebby‘s cookies weirdly mesmerizing in a delicious sort of way? I can’t stop staring.

25. Christmas Meltaway Cookies– If “meltaway” isn’t enough to convince you to try these cookies from Dessert Now, Dinner Later, I don’t know what will.

26. Hot Chocolate Cookies– For true fans of hot chocolate, I give you- the hot chocolate sugar cookie from Savory Experiments!

27. Grandma Lucille’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies– As soon as I saw these cookies were from Grandma Lucille, I knew they had to be good. Find the recipe at Chef Alli.

28. Christmas Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies– I personally am a big believer in soft sugar cookies, like The Toasty Kitchen‘s. Mmmm, like a little piece of heaven!

29. Eggnog Amish Sugar Cookies– I’m sure I’m not the only one who has tried to think of as many ways as possible to get more eggnog into my diet. Thankfully, I found The Gold Lining Girl‘s recipe. For the rest of you eggnog lovers- you’re welcome.

30. Peppermint Crunch Sugar Cookies– Dress up your sugar cookies with this easy idea from Hot Beauty Healthy.

31. Chocolate Swig Sugar Cookies– If you have not had the pleasure, nay, the blessing of trying a Swig sugar cookie, I beg you to go bake this recipe from Bake. Eat. Repeat. right now. I mean it. Get up. Go to the kitchen. Start baking. You will not regret it.

Sometimes, our ovens are already overflowing with food. That’s where these little no-bake wonders come in!

32. Reindeer Poop Cookies– For those with a more refined taste, try these poop cookies from Midget Momma. Pinkies out! (that only works for tea, huh?)

33. Avalanche Cookies– Simple, easy, delicious… Need I say more? Try this recipe at Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts.

34. Holiday Praline No-Bake Cookies– Just to make you even more excited about this recipe from My Montana Kitchen, it also contains sweetened condensed milk.

35. Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons– With a blog name like Life, Love and Sugar, I’m sure they knew what they were doing with this recipe!

36. Caramel- Pecan Cookie Balls– Rich and nutty, just the way I like’em! Go to My Food and Family for the recipe.

37. Mint Chip Cookies– Doesn’t the picture look heavenly? Learn to make these cookies at Food Ahead.

38. Muddy Buddy Crack Cookies– As if muddy buddies weren’t already delicious, Back for Seconds, went and put them in a cookie. It’s like I’ve died and gone to cookie heaven.

39. No Bake Samoa Cookies– I know everyone has their own opinions on this, but I firmly believe that Samoa cookies are the superior cookie out of the Girl Scout cookie line. I can’t wait to try The Domestic Rebel‘s recipe.

40. Almond Joy Cookies– Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t! If you feel like a nut today, you’ll love Mom’s Dinner‘s recipe!

41. Christmas Wreath Cookies– A perfect treat for Christmas from The First Year, although I would not recommend hanging this on your front door.

Is short bread bread? Or is it cookie?

42. Butterscotch Shortbread Cookies– Mom on Timeout‘s shortbread is like the final form of shortbread. My mind can’t even handle how scrumptious these cookies are.

43. Easy Chocolate Chip Whipped Shortbread– I have no idea what a “whipped” shortbread is, but I definitely want to find out with this recipe from An Italian in My Kitchen!

44. Swiss Mountain Shortbread Christmas Cookies– Kim Power Style‘s cookies are sure to be a hit at your Christmas cookie exchange!

45. Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies– My Baking Bliss‘s maple shortbread is the perfect cookie to come home to after a fun day in the snow.

46. Sugar Plum Shortbread Christmas Cookies– For those of you who dream of sugar plum fairies and shortbread cookies, this recipe from Wicked Good Kitchen is for you.

47. Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Shortbread– Tart and sweet work together in this delicious cookie from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.

48. Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies– The refreshing taste of peppermint combined with the comforting taste of shortbread. Try this recipe at Cheese Curd in Paradise.

49. Jam Christmas Shortbread Biscuits– My Food Book‘s shortbread cookies look like something I could eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

50. Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies– Did you say toffee?! Count me in! Go to Beautiful Life and Home for the recipe.

51. Dark Chocolate Strawberry Shortbread– Spoil yourself with these decadent cookies from Apple of My Eye.

So many ways to make these treats! Really, I could’ve just kept adding them to this list, but decided I had to give the other cookies a chance. 

52. Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies– Back with another rich eggnog recipe for you from White Lights on Wednesday.

53. Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies– Here is just one more way from Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate together. I mean really, can there ever be too many ways to eat them?

54. Raspberry Walnut Thumbprint Cookies– The Kitchen Magpie‘s recipe will have everyone asking for more!

55. Twix Thumbprint Cookie– As a long time fan of the Twix candy bar, I approve of this cookie from The Recipe Critic.

56. Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie– Feel free to disagree, but peppermint Hershey Kisses are the best Hershey Kisses, and wait until you try them in this recipe from Small Town Woman.

57. Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies– If you thought you loved neapolitan before, you’ll go crazy for Girl Versus Dough‘s thumbprint cookies!

58. Red Velvet and Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies– Cheesecake. That’s right. I said, “Cheesecake.” Give yourself the cheesecake you deserve with this recipe from DIY Candy

59. Grinch Cookies– If you’re a fan of the Grinch, you’ll love these cookies from No. 2 Pencil!

60. Pecan Thumbprint Cookies– Scrappy Geek‘s cookies are like eating little pecan pies!

61. Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies– These cookies from Cooking Classy are perfect for anyone who needs an easy recipe that looks and tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen all day.

They’re called snowballs. It’s like they were made specifically for this time of year. You can’t eat snowballs in the middle of July! That’s when you switch to calling them Mexican wedding cookies.

62. Lemon Snowball Cookies– These cookies from Live Well, Bake Often are melt in your mouth good!

63. Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies– Lemons for Lulu‘s snowball cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

64. Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies– If chocolate is the food that speaks to your soul, you’ll love Crazy for Crust‘s snowball cookies!

65. Jam-filled Snowball Cookies– Surprise your friends and family with the sweet surprise in these cookies from Christmas Cookies and Blog.

66. Sprinkle Snowball Cookies– What could be more festive than sprinkles? These cookies from In Katrina’s Kitchen are perfect for holiday parties.

67. Peppermint Snowball Cookies– In case you are as crazy for peppermint as I am, here is another tasty peppermint recipe from Joyful Momma’s Kitchen.

68. Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies– I know that someone reading this is a peanut butter fanatic. To that peanut butter fanatic, this recipe from Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog is for you!

69. Grinch Snowball Cookies– I think if the Grinch had his own good little batch of snowball cookies to begin with, he probably never would have tried to steal Christmas. Of course, then we wouldn’t have a story… Find this fun recipe that could have saved Christmas at The Soccer Mom.

70. Nutella Stuffed Snowball Cookies– Nutella makes everything better. Toast + Nutella= Amazing. Crepes + Nutella= Heavenly. Snowballs + Nutella= No words can describe. Try for yourself at Momsdish.

71. Chocolate Mint Truffle Snowball Cookies– This recipe from Inside BruCrew Life is what dreams are made of.

These tasty cookies are so special, they are in a category all their own. 

72. No Roll, 5 Ingredient Cake Mix– This recipe from Together as Family is so good and so easy, it’s almost criminal.

73. Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies– This recipe from Domestically Speaking has lemon and cream cheese. Do your really need any more convincing?

74. Eggnog Cookies– Maybe you should try dipping this delectable cookie from Cake Whiz in eggnog too? You can never have too much eggnog, am I right?

75. Cinnamon Roll Cookies– That’s right. Everyone’s favorite treat also comes in cookie form as seen at Sugar Spun Run.

76. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies– Even the Grinch couldn’t turn down these babies from Dear Crissy!

77. Forgotten Cookies– That’s right. The Mom Bob‘s cookies recipe is so easy, you pop them in the oven over night and “forget about them,” until the morning. That’s my kind of cookie!

78. Cream Cheese Pistachio Cookies– Dishes Delish‘s cookies are soft with a nice little crunch to it.

79. Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies– One of the lovely things about Upstate Ramblings‘s cookies is that you can substitute raspberry jam with strawberry instead.

80. Italian Ricotta Cookies– If these cookies from Becky’s Baking Delights are what they’re eating in Italy, I think it’s time for a move to the Mediterranean!

81. Maple Snickerdoodle Cookies– Maple syrup brings an added to warmth to food, just like in these cookies from Busy Being Jennifer.

82. Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies– These cookies from Dinner at the Zoo are both beautiful and delicious!

You can never go wrong with chocolate. Never. It’s a rule. If you make chocolate cookies,  they will be loved. No matter what. 

83. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies– Turn this classic cookie into a holiday treat with Buns in My Oven‘s recipe.

84. Neiman Marcus Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies– Make these famous cookies with this recipe from Angela Lanter.

85. Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies– According to The Seasoned Mom, these are the cookies her family waits for all year long. Yes, they are that good!

86. Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies– I Heart Eating‘s cookies have a nice little kick to them!

87. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookie Sticks– Who says cookies need to be circles? Use Tatertots & Jello‘s recipe to make cookies that are perfect for dipping in hot cocoa!

88. Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies– If Plain Chicken‘s cookies are wrong, I don’t want to be right.

89. Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies– These cookies from House of Nash Eats are a perfect way to satisfy your love for both chocolate and pecans.

90. Brookies– This particular treat from The Seaside Baker holds a special place in my heart as “Brookie” is one of the nicknames I was called growing up. Not to mention how yummy they are!

91. S’moreo Cookies– You can’t go wrong with America’s favorite cookie baked inside of America’s other favorite cookie, right? Check out this treat at Lights, Camera, Bake!

92. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies– Kleinworth & Co.‘s crinkle cookies are all fudgey, chocolatey goodness.

93. Mint Chocolate Andes Cookies– The Diary of a Real Housewife‘s mint cookies are the reason I believe there is still goodness in the world.

94. Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies– Liv For Cake‘s cookies are perfect for dark chocolate lovers!

95. Chocolate Dipped Oreo Snowflakes– If you need something easy, try these pretty Oreos from I Heart Naptime.

96. Christmas Kiss Cookies– I love the festive sprinkles on these merry little cookies from What Megan’s Making.

97. Chocolate Cherry Cookies– I can’t get over how beautiful these cookies from Small Town Woman are!

98. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies– The Food Charlatan‘s cookies son ricosos!

99. German Chocolate Cookies– If it’s good as a cake, then you can’t go wrong making it into a cookie, as see here at Dessert and Cake Recipes.

100. Homemade Mint Chocolate Oreos– I am an Oreo addict. Seriously. These cookies from The Recipe Rebel are not helping my addiction- but I have no regrets!

101. Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting– Sticky ooey-gooey goodness on top of a decadent chocolate goodness! Try it out at Two Sisters Crafting!

The post 101 Cookies to Bake this Christmas appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. I love the traditions, the colors, the magic, the lights, the snow, the presents, the trees, and the Nativity. Of course, one of my favorite parts is the food! Uuugh, Christmas food is my weakness! There’s cookies, and fudge, ham, mashed potatoes, pies, rolls… the list is endless! To help you get ready to make the most delicious food of the year, I’ve made up this little list of 21 Perfect Christmas Side Dishes. Watch out. You might be drooling by the end of this list!

1. Crash Hot Sweet Potatoes– If you love a little kick to your meal, you will love these sweet potatoes!

2. Corn Casserole– I don’t actually like corn, but this is making my mouth water!

3. Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes– Omg, omg, omg. Look at all that melted cheese goodness!

4. Broccoli Cheese Bites– If your grandkids don’t like broccoli, try these on them. They’ll change their mind real fast!

5. Cranberry Cream Cheese Bruschetta– The moment I saw these, my mouth dropped open, and tears came to my eyes. I mean, is this not the most heavenly looking bruschetta you’ve ever seen? It seriously speaks to my soul.

6. Dirty Rice– If you have never had this, make it now. Stop reading. Right now. Go make this rice. Your life will never be the same.

7. Christmas Tree Pull Apart– Both delicious and festive!

8. Garlic Butter Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus– It’s like they’re snuggling up in a little blanket of ham! Yum!

9. Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots– These look dangerously good!

10. Winter Fruit Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing– Thankfully, not all fruit is out of season at Christmas! Celebrate with this yummy salad.

11. Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites– These remind me of french fries, but healthier and tastier!

12. Berries & Brie Crescent Rolls– These are both beautiful and delicious!

13. Peeta’s Stuffed Cheese Buns– I think melted cheese in buns is probably one of the most amazing combinations ever made!

14. Cranberry Ambrosia Salad– Heaven in a salad!

15. Roasted Vegetables– I think I’m roasted vegetables’ biggest fan. They are quite seriously one of my favorite sides ever!

16. Creamy Vanilla Grape & Apple Salad– Did you know there’s cream cheese in this? Oh yeah. You know you want it!

17. Christmas Salad– The name, “Christmas,” is in the title, so it’s definitely perfect for the holidays!

18. Cheesy Spinach Crescents– *gasp* “My spinach puffs!”

19. Grandma’s Baked Artichoke Hearts– If it says “Grandma’s,” it’s a winner!

20. Creamy Parmesan Baked Corn– Basically, anything smothered in parmesan is a guaranteed success.

21. Easy Crockpot Fried Apples– It’s easy. That’s all you need to know!

The post 21 Perfect Christmas Side Dishes appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Tell me if this scene sounds familiar: It’s Christmas time, and  throughout your house, there are grandchildren screaming (joyfully of course!), kitchen timers buzzing, and phones ringing. There are airport trips to make, bathrooms to clean, presents to wrap, and cookies to bake. By the end of the day, you are covered in flour, frizzy-haired, and completely exhausted – then suddenly, “Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaa!” You don’t feel like answering the door to carolers… you feel like slamming it in their face and going to bed!

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to be with family, but it’s easy for any host or hostess to feel like they’re drowning in all the joy. Lucky for you, there’s AARP Member Advantages to help out the frazzled grandma or grandpa and make the holidays easier, and more enjoyable. One of our favorite features of AARP Member Advantages is their online shopping deals! If Christmas gets as hectic for you as it does for us, we made a Stay Calm Holiday Gift Guide just for you, featuring our favorite discounts from AARP Member Advantages.

Signing up for AARP Member Advantages is quick and easy. Once you’ve signed up, get ready to enjoy  tons of discounts and services from shopping to travel, dining (our favorite thing to do!) to entertainment. Who doesn’t like that? If you see what you like, just sign up for an AARP membership for $16 a year. That’s like a Christmas gift to yourself! Then make sure to use the codes given for your desired product during check out.

And now, on to our gift guide!

One thing that induces major stress in our lives around holiday season is grocery shopping. Uuuugh… the word “grocery” makes us cringe! You know what we say? Cut grocery shopping out of your life! You don’t need that kind of negativity! Thank goodness for Hello Fresh Meal boxes! It saves you all the stress of grocery shopping with just a couple clicks on the computer. Now until 12/31/16 you can get $50 off Weekly Meal Boxes!

Need a dessert that will make everyone drool? This chocolate mousse cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory is just the thing! You can pick one up at Harry & David at 20% off!

One of the best parts about Christmas is giving gifts to loved ones! We particularly love to give our adult children gift cards to restaurants, which they love to use for date nights!

The holidays are the best time of year to make memories! Try scrapbooking with a Shutterfly photo book and get 20% off with your AARP Membership!

Sometimes, when the house is full of family and little children, you just need a bit of quiet. That’s when movies like Finding Dory become a saving grace!  You can pick up a copy through Every Day Savings Center. 

One of the best parts of the holiday season is being around my family but there are some years that we can’t all get together for Christmas.  It is then that phone calls are what make our holidays special.  I really enjoy talking to my kids but what I really want is to put my grandkids on!  Am I right grandparents?  AARP Member Advantages has a great deal right now to make it easier to talk to YOUR kids and grandkids with this Consumer Cellular special.  Sign up Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2016 and as a Member Advantages Member, receive a $20 credit for activating any new line of service with Consumer Cellular.  Plans start at under $10.  Then you can talk away!

When it comes to gift wrapping, AARP Member Advantages has you covered! From wrapping paper to ribbons, you can get it all conveniently delivered to your home. We love the cute wrapping paper designs from Kohl’s where you get can get 15% off a $100 order.

One of our favorite Christmas hacks is making a gift wrapping station. It makes wrapping much quicker and easier. You can start your own gift wrapping station with something like this gift wrapping storage bag that you can add to your Kohl’s cart for 15% off your $100 order! Look at all that organization! We can just feel the stress melting away! Oh yeah!

And don’t forget that you can use your AARP Member Advantages discount to send presents too! Find 15% Off General Products and Services from The UPS Store under the home shopping section.

Still feeling a little overwhelmed? Then, guess what? It’s time for a vacation! You deserve it! Get out of the snow, and head to the nice, warm Caribbean. AARP Member Advantages has some great deals on vacation packages. Oh yeah, now that is stress free!

 Merry Christmas everyone!

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The post Stay Calm Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

7 Easy Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress

Which scenario best describes your house at Christmastime? Your family snuggles on the couch with blankets and hot cocoa under the twinkling lights of your beautifully decorated tree, as you take in a cheesy but tender Hallmark Christmas movie on a perfectly peaceful December evening. Or . . . well, just picture the same tree and lights but in a chaotic, disorganized setting.

We all want our holiday season to look like an old-fashioned greeting card. We escape to those picture-perfect Christmas movies because they depict the serene Christmases we long for. The fact is, that fictional Christmas probably ain’t gonna happen. Not when we’re dealing with holiday stress caused båy work, family obligations, shopping lists, sending holiday cards, decorating, baking the perfect Christmas cookies, etc.

Take a deep breath and remember, your holiday season is what you make of it. To help your Christmas run more smoothly, check out these holiday stress helps.

1. Store-bought goodies are legal. Baking during the holidays can be fun, and doubtlessly you have gobs of recipes collected over the years. But if you’re under a time crunch or lack energy, your grocery store bakery may have a nice substitute. Pull out your festive platter, and you’re good to go!

2. Christmas shopping for girls can be daunting. Girls of all ages are picky, and they often know just what they want, so where is the fun in the surprise? This article 18 Ultimate Christmas gifts for teen girls lists 18 really fun Christmas ideas for the teen girls in your life. This one  17 Christmas gifts for best friends includes gift ideas for your girlfriends.

3. For the precious baby in your life, look no further than these “No-Fail Best Baby Toys.” Babies love toys, and you can feel good about helping his learning and growth. Toys aid in developing motor skills and cognitive thinking.

4. Shopping is fun, but stick to your budget. Create a Christmas shopping list and resist the urge to buy more than you need. Tone down the spending by creating homemade gifts, or suggest a family gift exchange.

5. Carve out some time from your schedule to relax—alone. Escape holiday family stress to take a bath. Write a personal letter to an old friend and slip it in her Christmas card. Watch a Christmas movie (sappy is okay!). Read a book. Treat yourself to one of these “15 Best Chocolate Christmas Gifts”. Meet a close friend for lunch.

6. It’s okay to say no. Holiday parties, dinners, charity events, and church functions are great, but if you’re being asked to take on too much, step back. Remember that your family comes first.

7. Don’t throw nutrition out the window. Of course you should indulge in some holiday goodies; let’s be realistic here! But you’ll feel better about yourself if you limit the sugar. Fill up with a healthy snack before hitting the holiday parties. Try to slip in a vigorous walk each day, too.

Hopefully, these holiday stress busters will help pave the way to the peaceful, magical Christmas you desire.

The post 7 Easy Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

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1. Darth Vader Holiday Sweater Socks– Keep those toes warm with these socks from the Dark Side.

2. Adventure Time Watch– For your cartoon fan, try this easy to read watch!

3. Hoverkraft Levitating Construction Challenge– If your little guy loves a challenge, then he will love this game!

4. RC Helicopter– Your little boy will be the envy of his friends flying this guy around!

5. Kinetic Sand– For littler boys, they will love shaping and sculpting with kinetic sand! And lucky you, it’s easy to clean up!

6. Pokeball Backpack– If your child is obsessed with catching them all, he will love this backpack!

7. Chewbacca Pj– What little boy doesn’t dream of being Chewbacca?! And it’s so cozy too!

8. Mini Fossil Dig– Boys love digging, so this little fossil dig is sure to be a hit!

9. Minecraft Survivor Book of Secrets– For the MineCraft lover, this book will become his best friend (but obviously, you’ll be the Bestest Friend, since you gave it to him!).

10. Revell Big Boy Locomotive– Every boy I know loves trains. They are pretty cool after all! This model set is fun to put together and fun to watch!

11. Two-Way Radio Set– The way cooler, far more interactive alternative to a cell phone!

12. Superhero 3D Wall Light– “By Thor’s hammer!”

13. Battle Moves Pikachu– Ah yes. Back to Pokemon. The great passion of a boy’s life! And you gotta admit, you love Pikachu too.

14. Star Wars Crystal Growing Lab– A Star Wars science experiment!

15. Pirate Dig Kit– Yaaas! More dirt to dig around in! Let the excavation begin!

16. Electronics for Kids– For your little scientist, try this fun introduction to electricity!

17. DC Plush– Who wouldn’t want to cuddle with Superman (though your little boy would probably never admit that…)?

18. PowerUp Paper Airplane– A fun twist to a classic!

19. Tie Not Water Balloon Filler– Watch out. When the weather gets warmer, this thing will start a war…

20. Seedling Design Your Own Dragon– Don’t worry. It doesn’t breathe fire!

21. Marvel Little Golden Books– Yes, it’s true. Super heroes now have their own Little Golden Books. I know it’s not meant to be, but seriously, how cute?!

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1. Star Wars Darth Vader Helmet 3D Mug with Removable Lid– For those who love their coffee on “the Dark Side,” (you see what I did there?) try this Darth Vader mug!

2. Chomping Shark Slippers for Grown Ups– Wouldn’t these feel so nice to slip into under a desk at work?

3. Infectious Disease Stress Ball– Help your coworker relieve stress by squeezing the guts out of an infectious disease. Oh yeah, that feels good…

4. Ugly Christmas Sweater– Who wouldn’t want to be seen wearing this bad boy to the office Christmas party? I mean, c’mon, there’s penguins!

5. Flux Capacitor USB Charger– Your coworker will feel like they’re going back to the future with this USB charger!

6. Sneakiest Uses for Every Day Things– If you read the cover, you will see why this book would be valuable in a work place.

7. Nintendo Link Hoodie– For the video gamer, this sweater is sure to be a game winner!

8. Bag of Holding– Not your average carrier bag, it is The Bag of Holding! What a powerful name!

9. Perplexus maze ball– A nice little puzzle for any break time.

10. Soyan 3D Printing Pen– Did you know you can now 3D draw? Give the office doodler a pen upgrade with this 3D printing pen!

11. Ninja Socks– If your coworker is a ninja in the office, they will love these socks!

12. Harry Potter Adult Coloring Book– If your coworker is more wizard than muggle, try giving them a Harry Potter coloring book! A great way to relax during break time!

13. USB Squirming Tentacle– Watch out! It’s alive!!!

14. Justice League Card Case– Now your coworker can feel like a super hero whenever they pull out their business cards.

15. Elegance Chocolate Cookie Gift Box– Cookies. Need I say more?

16. Rosewill Rosewood Noise Isolating Earbuds– If your coworker loves to get lost in the music, try giving them these noise isolating earbuds. Bonus- you’ll be able to sneak up on them so much easier for a fun little scare!

17. Zombie Survival Guide– This may not seem important, but it is. You never know when the Zombie Apocalypse could hit.

18. Exploding Kittens– This game is hysterical. For the quirky person with a great sense of humor, they will love this game.

19. Serendipity Frrrozen Hot Chocolate– If you’ve had Frozen Hot Chocolate before, you know why this is a must!

20. Someecards Year in a Box Calendar– For those who need their daily dose of sass, give them this funny calendar.

21. Table Topics– Everyone dreads the awkward pause of silence that inevitably comes in a group of people. Help out your coworker with this stack of Table Topics cards.

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Although I’m probably a decade from that delightful stage of life called grandparenting, for now it’s fun to anticipate sweet snuggles and cherubic faces.

Kids make the holidays, don’t they? I’m not talking about the gangly teenage variety – the ones with impossible expectations, crusty attitudes and appetites that don’t quit. I’ve got that type of kid coming out of my ears. (Well, to be exact, four teens reign our household.) I mean the younger set – children who still believe in the wonder of Christmas and are captivated by the magic of it all.

If you’re up for a Christmas event that your grandkids will never forget, and will likely be hankering to repeat next year, follow these crazy easy steps to plan your very own Polar Express ride and Christmas lights scavenger hunt. While you can certainly pull this off solo, it may be easier with grandpa or any adult as your partner in crime.

1. Offer to babysit on an evening close to Christmas. Shoo the parents away for some last-minute Christmas shopping, and spend a normal evening with the grandkids. Little will they know what lies ahead!
2. Using the attached free printables, print out a ticket for each child and tuck it under his or her pillow. When the kids crawl into bed for the evening and discover their tickets, announce that it’s time to board the Polar Express! Make sure you have any necessary booster or car seats already stowed in your car.
3. Plant a Santa hat on each child’s head, and pack up your pre-made goodies. This homemade popcorn is sure to be a hit. You can individualize the kids’ portions in sandwich bags. And, of course, a Polar Express train can’t run without hot chocolate. Use lidded thermoses or stainless steel canteens for (hopefully) no-mess sipping in the car. This recipe is delicious, and you can prep it ahead of time and warm it on the stove before pouring.
4. Now that you’re packed up and on your way, turn on some Christmas tunes and explain the purpose for this special journey: a Christmas lights scavenger hunt. Read to the kids the list of items to watch for. Plan ahead by printing the attached scavenger hunt sheet and stowing it in your car. Check off each item as you tour area neighborhoods; hopefully, streets lined with a bounty of lights and decorations.
5. With the strains of Christmas music, pajama-clad kiddies, goodies and hot chocolate, lights and pretty objects to hunt for and enjoy, you will have created a magical evening to be cherished.

And in the interest of full disclosure, I adore my teenagers. Come to think of it, I’m convinced they would get a kick out of this activity, too.

Polar-Express-Train-Ticket

Christmas-Lights-Scavenger-Hunt

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1. Alex and Ani “Charity By Design” Best Friends Bangle Bracelets– I love the simple beauty of these bracelets!

2. Me & My BIG Ideas Boxed Album Kit– For your crafty friend, she is sure to love this scrap booking kit!

3. Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate– If you really want to treat your friend, try this sweet treat! 

4. Malden Storyboard Frame– This frame speaks the truth!

5. Pocket Posh Word Search– Help your friend keep herself occupied while waiting for the bus with this stylish word search booklet.

6. Studio Oh! Journal– For your writer friend, get her a cute journal or notebook like this one from Studio Oh!

7. Macarons– This is what I want my best friend to get me. Yum!

8. Burlap Pillow – If you love laughing with your BFF (who doesn’t?!), try gifting her with this oddly truthful, burlap pillow.

9. Verdugo Gift Co Warm Vanilla Spa Basket– Pamper your best friend with this spa basket!

10. Photo Clip String Set– This is a fun way to display pictures your friend is sure to love!

11. Tabletopics Questions to Start Great Conversations– For your talkative friend, try out these creative questions!

12. Vera Bradley Cosmetic Bag– These makeup bags are stylish and affordable!

13.  Rosebud Tin Set– These lip balms are always a special treat with their amazing moisture and scent!

14. Autobalm Face Palette– For the makeup artist, try giving her this fun face palette!

15. Pride & Prejudice– This goes out to the die-hard chick-flick fans out there! Two words- Colin Firth.

16. Fujifilm Instax Camera-To better document all the awesomeness that is your friendship, give your friend this cute polaroid camera!

17. Dll Daisy Skirt Apron– If your BFF loves the kitchen, try giving her one of these cute, stylish aprons. There’s quite a variety to chose from!

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1. Rocky Bluray Collection– I think this is the one movie series that brings tears to my husband’s eyes. Definitely a winner!

2. Beardo Hat– If your man’s face is ever cold after a shave, take out the beardo!

3. The Official John Wayne Way to Grill– Is there anyone manlier than John Wayne? I don’t know that there’s a better cook book for boyfriends out there!

4. Van Der Hagen Men’s Luxury Shave Set– This one might be more for you than for him if you love kissing a nice, clean shaven face!

5. Remington The Crafter: Beard Boss Style and Detail Kit– Help your man keep his beard in ship-shape with these beard trimmers.

6. The Shredded Chef– If your boyfriend loves working out, then give him this cook book to help him build those muscles!

7. EcoCity Backpack– For men who love a more classic style, check out these backpacks – perfect for school books and laptops!

8. AquaAudio Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers– Do you have a shower singer? Let him rock out with these speakers!

9. Camden Gear Hydration Pack– For your handsome hiker, try one of these best selling hydration packs!

10. Bacon Body Wash– Mmmmm, the savory smell of bacon in the shower!

11. Smartband Fitness Tracker Smart Watch – This smart watch does it all! It’s a reminder, calendar, music player, sleep monitor, camera, and it’s sweatproof!

12. Under Armour Men’s Rival Fleece Hoodie– What guy doesn’t love to wear comfort? Say hello to this sweatshirt from Under Armour!

13. Cardboard TV Ipad Stand– What dude wouldn’t love this? Now he can feel like he’s at home, crashing on the couch, watching his favorite show wherever he goes!

14. SCSk8 Longboard– A fun, easy way for your boyfriend to get from place to place.

15. Coleman Sundome Tent– If your boyfriend loves adventure, try out this 2 person tent.

16. Shark socks– If you want to make your guy laugh, give him a pair of these shark socks!

17. Cards Against Humanity– For men with a sense of humor, they’ll have a blast playing this game with you and friends!

18. Ninja Cufflinks– Is your man a ninja? Then he’ll love this fun,  little gift he can wear!

19. Zinsoko Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones– This one goes out to the music lover! Let him get lost in his favorite songs with these amazing headphones.

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1. Fresh Sugar Lip Party Favors Lip Treatment Set– These colors are so rich! Your teen will love putting them on her lips!

2. Fitness bracelet– For the athlete, check out these fitness bracelets!

3. Taylor Swift Keds– If your teenager loves shoes, take a look at Taylor Swift Keds, like these cute polka dot ones!

4. Sephora Favorites Makeup Must-Haves Beauty Essentials Kit– Ah, Sephora, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

5. Mia Secret Mood Nail Lacquer Color Changing Nail Polish– How fun are these colors?! It’s like the updated version of the mood ring!

6. Bluetooth Shower Speaker– Oh man, I need one of these! I’ll probably be too busy dancing to ever get out of the shower!

7. Laptop Reusable Stickers– Add some extra flair to your teen’s computer! The great part is that they are reusable.

8. Assorted Paper Notecard by Rifle Paper Co.– With all the texting and emailing going on these days, how fun will it be for your teen to write notes on this cute stationary? A refreshing change!

9. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera– The camera itself is adorable, but even better, your teenager can decorate her room like crazy with all the instant photos it prints!

10. Pura Vida Women’s Bracelet Golden Coast Pack– These bracelets are not only beautiful, but profits go to a great cause helping women artisans in Costa Rica.

11. Smartphone Projector– For the Netflix obsessed teen (or for me…), these projectors are perfect! Set it up anytime, anywhere!

12. Fun Frame Collage Photo Display– We know teens love taking photos with their friends and family, and this frame is a fun, unique way to display them.

13. Braids, Buns, and Twists– If your daughter loves to play with her hair, then she’ll love this book! It’s sure to inspire many a new hairstyle!

14. Bumble and Bumble Spraychalk– Speaking of hair, if your teen has been wanting to color her hair, but you’re not quite ready to take the dive, try this temporary chalk hair coloring. She’s sure to have fun adding colorful strips to her hair!

15. Elephant Ring Holder– For the jewelry loving girl, try this cute elephant where she can store all her rings. Such a cute decoration!

16. KAVU Rope Sling Bag– I love the designs on the KAVU rope sling bags!

17. Alex and Ani Bracelet– These simple charm bracelets are sure to be a favorite for your teen girl!

18. Designer I-Phone Case– If your teen is obsessed with phones, she’ll love a designer phone case, like this one from Kate Spade.

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1. Broadway Basketeers Token of Appreciation Gift Tower– So much chocolate, I’m gonna die!

2. Chocolate, Caramel, and Crunch Grand Gift Basket– Nothing like the heavenly combination of salty and sweet!

3. Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin– Look at these chocolates. Just look at them. They look fit for a queen! I’ll order this one for myself!

4. Ferrero Rocher Gift Box– Send this one, and your loved ones will be in heaven for days!

5. Hershey’s Golden Almond Chocolate Bar– Aaah, the decadence of almond and chocolate in one beautiful bar!

6. Godiva Chocolatier Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels– Oh my word, I’m drooling! So rich, so sweet, so crunchy!

7. Broadway Basketeers Photo Gift Box Collection– Love this idea! The chocolate box doubles as a keepsake!

8. De Ruijter Milk Chocolate Sprinkles / Chocoladehagel Melk– I love this stuff! It was always a special treat for me when I visited my cousins growing up. I highly recommend it!

9. Heritage Drinking Chocolate Gift Tin– The perfect drink for Christmas!

10. Vermont Country Chocolate Gift Basket– I love the rustic feel to this chocolate gift basket!

11. Ritter Sport Kakao (Cocoa) Mousse in Alpine Milk Chocolate– A perfect stocking stuffer!

12. Tremendous Tin of Squares Chocolates– A chocolate a day keeps the doctor away!

13. Ultimate Berries – Assortment Gift– These berries are a fun twist on traditional chocolate strawberries!

14. Peanut Butter Chocolates– I’m sending these to my husband! He is a huge fan of chocolate and peanut butter!

15. Milka Milk Chocolate with Caramel Filling– I personally would love to pull this out of my stocking!

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Surprise inside treats seem to be all the rage these days. People get really creative with the surprises they hide in the cakes they bake! Let’s take a look at the best surprise inside treats out there!

These vanilla cupcakes contain a chocolaty surprise inside! The best of both flavors!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Surprise Cupcakes. Now these are to die for! You put frozen cookie dough in middle and it gets warm and gooey in the oven. Yum!!!!

This Pinata Cake looks delicious! I personally would prefer this to a real pinata because you can eat the entire thing! (And there’s less to clean up. Ha ha!)

Check out this awesome Patriotic Cake! Each layer is a different color, and the entire thing spells out USA. The 4th of July just passed, but that gives you plenty of time to perfect this cake.

Okay, now this is cool, and sure to be a hit with the kids on the 4th of July! Pop Rocks Firecracker Cake Pops. You can definitely say these treats have a kick to them!

Rainbow Cake! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more colorful cake in my life. Wow!

Mickey Mouse Peekaboo Cake. This is perfect for a Disney themed party! Or, it would be a great way to surprise the kids and announce a trip to Disneyland! Just imagine the looks on their faces when you cut the cake and revealed Mickey Mouse!

Strawberry Surprise Cake. I love strawberries, but I would probably want to cut off the stems first so they’re easier to eat!

Santa’s Belt Surprise Inside Cake. A perfect cake for the holiday season! You can even leave some out for Santa to eat when he stops by on Christmas Eve! I bet he would be impressed!

This Heart Cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any day you want to show someone special how much you love them. So cute!

Another beautiful Disney themed cake! Check out this Disney Pixar Inside Out Cake!

I absolutely love fall and everything pumpkin flavored, so of course I had to add this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Maple Glaze! This sounds like the perfect dessert on a crisp fall day!!

Sticking with fall themed treats, check out these witch hat surprise cookies! They’re adorable, and they’re filled with candy! What more could you ask for?

Now this is impressive! This Hidden Giraffe Cake is incredible!

These Red Velvet Cupcakes contain a cream cheese surprise in the middle! Yummm!

This Rubik’s Cube cake is seriously taking it to the next level. Look at that detail! Every square a different color!

Surprise inside treats are great for special occasions such as holidays and birthdays. You can customize them and make them into whatever you want, so have fun with it!

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Hey there! We’re Molly and Chelsea, the food lovers over at Bests and Bites. We’ve been besties for 23 years and have been in love with cooking and baking for as long as we can remember. Thank you so much to the wonderful MFP ladies for allowing us to share our passion with all of you!

The holidays are filled with family traditions. It’s what makes this wonderful season unique to each and every person. Whether it be giving a special ornament, making the same meal on Christmas Eve, or cuddling up by the fire watching a movie with hot chocolate, the holidays are a time to spend with family and share those special moments.

One of our very favorite traditions during the holidays is drinking hot chocolate and binge watching Christmas movies by the fire with the house decorated and the tree lit up.

We used to celebrate this tradition using pre-packaged hot chocolate mix. Then one year, about 5 or so years ago, we discovered homemade hot chocolate and there was no turning back.

In December, homemade hot chocolate takes over our lives. There’s no fighting it –the snow is falling, the fire is crackling and we’re sipping this warm and delicious Amaretto Hot Chocolate.

The first rich, creamy, chocolatey sip warms your soul and the tiny hint of amaretto is so delightful. We almost need to make a crock pot for each of us. Not sure that would even satisfy this tasty tradition we’ve created!

The best part about it? It’s so easy to make! You just mix these six ingredients in your slow cooker:

1. milk
2. heavy cream
3. sweetened condensed milk
4. chocolate chips
5. almond extract
6. vanilla extract

Then you turn it on low and let the mixture get very merry together for about two hours. The result is a creamy, nutty and decadent mug of hot chocolate. Perfect for topping with whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate syrup.

When you take that first sip you’re filled with warmth and so much delicious chocolate flavor. Then there’s a subtle hint of amaretto that gives this recipe depth and a nuttiness that makes it so unique. We cannot get enough of amaretto recipes, like this almond shortbread cookie. Which is just made for dunking into this hot chocolate! (*hint*hint).

Cozy up with a blanket, turn on your favorite Christmas movie and join us in sipping on this festive cocoa Christmas tradition!

 Thank you again to the wonderful MFP ladies for allowing us to share some Christmas cheer?

If you like this recipe, be sure to give us a virtual high five by following us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest and liking us on Facebook.

Some of our most popular recipes:

Homemade Thin Mints

Monster Cookie Cups

Christmas Popcorn Snack Mix

Print

Crock Pot Amaretto Hot Chocolate

Servings 10 cups

Author Bests and Bites

Ingredients

• 8 cups milk
• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• whipped cream marshmallows, chocolate sauce, optional

Instructions

• Pour the milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, chocolate chips, vanilla and almond extract into a large crock pot and stir.
• Cook on low for two hours, stirring every fifteen minutes.
• Serve hot with whipped cream, marshmallows or chocolate sauce.

The post Crock Pot Amaretto Hot Chocolate appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Time is moving fast and Christmas will be here before you know it.  If you are needing a quick and easy to make gift for the neighbors, we’ve got you covered.  These also make great little tags to put on presents.   Or just use them as ornaments – they really look festive on my tree.    And just look how elegant the black and gold ornament is:

To make some of these for yourself, here is what you will need:

Long cinnamon sticks. I bought mine at Costco

An assortment of ribbon.  It is easier if you choose ribbon that is the same on both sides but you can still make it work with a design on one side like the black and gold ribbon that is shown.

Scissors

Glue gun and glue

Spray starch and an iron

Twine for the hanger loop

Start by cutting pieces of ribbon in lengths of 9-10  inches. You will need six for each ornament and a little extra for the ribbon at the top.

Tie 6 pieces of ribbon around your cinnamon stick:

At this point, I lightly sprayed my ribbon with spray  starch and with my iron set on low, I ironed my ribbon strips to help them be stiff and stand out nicely.  If you have any kind of plastic or rubber embellishments on your ribbon, be very careful when ironing so they don’t melt.

Next, with your scissors, start from the end that you want the top and cut down towards the “bottom” of the tree at a diagonal making the ribbon longer at the bottom.  This makes it so much easier than tying a tiny little piece of ribbon at the top.  Repeat on the other side.

Cut out the desired length of twine for your hanger.  Place a dollop of glue at the “top” of your tree and secure the ends of your twine to the cinnamon stick.

Tie a small bow with the desired color of ribbon and glue over the bottom of the twine pieces to cover.

Wait until glue is cool and dry before hanging on your tree.

Craft inspiration by Lushome

We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season with family and friends!

 You can also find us on Pinterest │ Facebook │ Twitter │ Instagram │ StumbleUpon │ Hometalk

Look at these other great Christmas Crafts!

DIY Kids Craft Stick Christmas Ornament

Pretzel Christmas Trees

The post Cinnamon Stick Christmas Ornaments appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

These are some amazing recipes we know you will enjoy. There are many different recipes with all kinds of different flavors, so there is a cookie for everyone! And they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday party!

Leave a comment below and tell us which is your favorite!

Melting Snowman Cookies (Ours!) These are easy to make and turn out adorable!

Oatmeal Cranberry Sandwich Cookies  from Two Peas and Their Pod. They contain white chocolate creme filling. Yum!

Perfect Sugar Cookies from Craftiness Is Not Optional. These are made with ROYAL icing! That explains why they look so fancy

Easy Peppermint Buttercream Cake Mix Cookies from Tidy Mom. Cake mix cookies are the best!  They’re so easy to make and are delicious!

Orange Cardamom Meltaways from Nalle’s House. These sound incredible!

Red Velvet Snowflakes from Created By Diane. The red velvet makes a perfect background for the white snowflakes.

Soft Almond Cookies (Ours!) These pair perfectly with a nice cup of hot chocolate!

Cranberry Bliss Cookies from Gimme Some Oven. Not only do these have cranberries, but they are also loaded with white chocolate. Yum!!

Nutella Stuffed Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies from A Cup of Jo. Nutella, sea salt, and chocolate chips sound like an incredible trio!

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread from Hostess With the Mostess. These bite-sized cookies are so cute! Plus it gives us an excuse to eat more of them!

*****

Christmas Cookie Workshop Recipes 11-20

Christmas Cookie Workshop Recipes 21-30

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Hi to all of The Made From Pinterest Fans! This is Melanie from Artzy Creations and I’m excited once again to share this coloring page with you. Lately, I’ve really gotten into creating coloring pages. I’ve been an art teacher now for over eighteen years and have always loved drawing. Both of my daughters have a great love for drawing too. Sometimes, when I couldn’t find just the right coloring pages for the girls, I would create my own for them. So, this Free Christmas Ornament Coloring Page was actually a special request by my oldest daughter who wanted some pretty ornaments to color in. Now, I’m sharing it with all of you! If you haven’t tried coloring a coloring page in awhile, (which I admit, I hadn’t done in a long time before I started creating these), you’re in for a real treat. Coloring pages are actually very relaxing and give your busy mind a chance to unwind just a little bit. So, why not give it shot and see what you think!

This is a great coloring page to keep the kiddos occupied over the upcoming Holiday break. Use crayons, colored pencils or markers… take your pick. You and your kids will love it!

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT COLORING PAGE HERE!

Don’t forget to print a page off for yourself and sit down with a nice cup of coffee or tea. Or join your kids and make it a fun family activity where you all spend some time together, coloring.

I hope you enjoy this. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I will see you in 2016!

Until then, you can follow me for more craftiness fun at Artzy Creations or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest,Twitter, and Google +.

If you like this project, check out these fun projects too:

DIY Paper Mache Santas

Easy Wood Slice Snowman Ornaments

Paper Straw Snowflake Ornaments

The post Free Christmas Ornament Coloring Page appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Learn how to make Gluten Free Pie Crust from scratch with this easy step-by-step tutorial!

I don’t know about you, but the holiday season is my absolute favorite time of the year. Everyone is so jolly, people start decorating their houses with breathtaking light displays, and, of course, everyone makes a load of pies!

I bounce back and forth on which pie is my favorite, but I’ve narrowed it down to two—pumpkin pie and chocolate pie.

But I think we all know that the backbone of any good pie recipe is the crust. So today I’ll be showing you with a visual step-by-step tutorial how to make the most amazing Gluten Free Pie Crust you’ll ever eat!

Shall we get started?

So to start off, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl and give it a good whisk to combine.

Next cut the butter into cubes and toss into the dry mixture. You can alternatively use solid coconut oil for this recipe, but keep in mind it won’t have the same flavor as a butter-dough would.

Using a pastry cutter or two butter knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the overall mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

I really recommend purchasing a pastry cutter, as this makes the whole pie crust-making process much smoother and easier. It’s also a great arm workout!

So this is what it should look like after you cut in the butter, more or less. I probably could have cut in my butter more than I did, but knowing me I was probably just too excited to eat the pie that I got a little careless and cocky.

Then just pour in your ice water and pop in an egg yolk, give it a good stir. Once it gets too hard to stir with a spoon, start kneading it with your fingers, until a cohesive dough forms.

 Then all that’s left to do is press the dough into a disk, wrap it in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to chill, or up to 3 days.

If you wanna freeze the crusts for later use, you can just pop them in the freezer and they’ll keep for up to three months.

When you’re ready to use the pie crust, roll it out on a floured surface (gluten-free flour, of course) until it’s 10 or more inches in diameter.

Here’s the recipe:

Print

Gluten Free Pie Crust

Servings 1 pie crust

Author Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour I used Bob's Red Mill
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup 2 sticks salted butter, chilled
• 1/2 cup ice water
• 1 egg yolk

Instructions

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine.
• Cube the butter and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two butter knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Pour in the ice water and add the egg yolk and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. When it gets too hard to stir, start using your fingers to knead the dough. Since this is gluten free pie crust, you don't have to worry about over-kneading the dough.
• Use your hands to shape the dough into a ball, packing it together firmly. Flatten the dough ball into a disk and wrap with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour, or up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough at this point.
• After the dough has chilled, roll it out until it reaches 10 inches in diameter.
• Carefully drape the rolled pie crust over your pie pan and press into the pan. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.
• Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill. Fill with whatever pie filling you'd like. Continue as instructed on pie recipe.

 What is your favorite kind of pie? Share in the comments below! Happy Holidays!

Here are a few treats from my blog Natural Chow you will also enjoy!

Roasted Bacon Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

The post Gluten Free Pie Crust appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Christmas is such a great time to have some activities prepared for when family comes to visit.  I know that my grandkids love it when I have something that they can make.

My oldest two grandsons especially enjoy being able to “do” something while at Grammy’s.  My oldest grandson is old enough to do some more detailed crafts or science experiments but his little brother loves anything that has to do with food!    I think he is really going to like making these.

Make sure you have lots of sprinkles on hand.  I don’t think that there is a kid alive that doesn’t like to shake some sprinkles on something!  Luckily I had most of these sprinkles already in my cupboard.

So let’s get busy and see how to make these!

Print

Oreo Ornaments

Author This Grandma is Fun

Ingredients

• Wilton White Candy Wafers or any other brand
• Golden Oreo Cookies
• Christmas sprinkles
• Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Cups

Instructions

• Melt the candy wafers per the instructions on the bag. It makes it easier to dip the Oreo's if you melt them in a deeper glass container but a bowl will absolutely do.
• With a fork, dip the Oreo into the white chocolate and tap slightly to get all of the excess candy to drip off.
• Place on a foil lined baking sheet.
• While chocolate is still warm, press a mini peanut butter cup to the side of the Oreo.
• Quickly shake the sprinkles of your choice onto the Oreo.
• Allow cookies to completely set before serving.
• If there is a blob of white chocolate that you don't want on your cookie, take a thin paring knife and "carve" the blob off.
• Do not refrigerate as sometimes this discolors the candy.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Miss CandiQuick

 This will surely get you classified as a “Fun” Grandma if you make these when your grandkids come for the holidays!

We are excited to be linking this post to Klein Worth & Co. and Snap!

Are you looking for some more Christmas activities to do with your kids?

Check these out!

Kids Christmas Tree Ornament

Gingerbread Man Recipe

Coastal Christmas Ornament

The post Oreo Ornaments appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

25 Cute Holiday Treats

1. These cute Marshmallow Snowman Treats from Flexible Dreams make for an easy and tasty activity with the grand kids where everyone can participate.

2. The holiday season simply calls for gingerbread men.  These Old Fashion Gingerbread Men from This Grandma Is Fun are a great way to help kids get creative as they make their own gingerbread men.

3. Holiday or not, popcorn is always delicious, but when it comes to Christmas time you are going to want to try this Red Velvet Popcorn from Inspired by Charm.

4.  The kids will be quick to eat this cute Fruit Christmas Tree from Ginger and Garlic.

5. Oreo cookies are always a hit with the grand kids. Don’t miss out on these adorable Sweet and Salty Reindeer Oreo Pops from Oh! Nuts!

6. Keep those Oreos on hand because you are going to want to try these tasty Melted Snowmen Oreo Balls made by The Girl Who Ate Everything.

7.  Want to keep to the snowman theme? The kids are going to love these easy Frosty Snowman Pretzels from Hungry Happenings.

8. Don’t forget the Christmas tree! Have the kids build their own Rice Krispie Treat Christmas Tree inspired by Cookies and Cups.

9. Want something more savory? Be sure to try these quick and easy Betty Crocker Pita Christmas Tree Appetizers.

10. “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…” Don’t leave out these festive Chocolate-Covered Cherry Mice this Christmas. Such a fun idea from Not Quite Susie Homemaker.

11. These Reindeer Sandwiches found on A Spotted Pony are sure to be a hit for the kids during the holidays.

12.  Simply Shellie offers this yummy Snowman Dessert Dip that kids will love to munch on this holiday season!

13. Surprise the grand kids with these Cheesecake Stuffed Christmas Tree Cupcakes found on Tablespoon!

14. Going for a cupcake spree? Be sure to try out these adorable Reindeer Cupcakes from Your Cup of Cake.

15.  Betty Crocker’s Savory Snowman Cheese Ball is a great addition to make so you have some tasty snacks on hand at the house!

16. Make it a snow day with Gimme Some Oven’s Easy 5 Minute Easy Snow Ice Cream! The kids will love this deliciously unique recipe!

17. After a snow day, warm up with some Melted Snowman Hot Chocolate from Meet the Dubiens.

18.  The grand kids will love these bite size Santa Hat Brownies from Daisy’s World.

19. Speaking of Santa hats, put these Santa Hat Pretzels on the list to try from Free-N-Fun Christmas. They make a quick and easy snack for the kids to munch on!

20. After having a snowball fight with the kids, be sure to end on a sweet note with these buttery Snowball Cookies from Setting for Four.

21. These Festive Apple Pie Fries from Oh, Bite It! are a tasty and dipable treat that everyone will love!

22.  The holiday season isn’t complete without Santa.  Be sure to try these Sweet Strawberry Santas found on TISL Style.  They are easy to make and quick to clean up!

23. Put together these cute Banana Santa Fruit Pops with the kids from Clean and Scentsible’s Christmas Breakfast.

24. These cute Penguin Cookies from Delightful E Made will make a tasty addition to the treat bowl this holiday season!

25. Last but not least, these creative Oreo Ornaments from Miss CandiQuick are a yummy way to ring in the holiday season!

We are excited to feature this post on Simply Designing!

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