The Sweet Life On A Budget

  Christmas appetizers are a must for our holiday season.   We may need a quick dish to take for a breakfast potluck at work or to an impromptu cocktail party at a friend’s house.    We love eating and sharing our favorite dishes with our friends a family, but how do you keep up without breaking the bank?      Recently my husband shared with me that he needed a dish to feed 30 for a breakfast potluck meal and we were going out of town the weekend before.    We thought about just ordering a tray from our local grocery store, but they are currently not providing that service.   Our criteria for selection were easy of making, traveled well and reasonable budget.    We set a budget of $10.00 dollars and here is what we came up with: Chocolate Croissants.   Recipe Linked Price Breakdown:  Kroger Crescent Rolls (8 ct)- $1.00 x 4= $4.00 Mini Chocolate Chips (10 oz)- $2.00  1 Egg- $ 0.12 Total: $6.12 ...

  White Christmas is a lovely musical drama about a popular musical act which stars Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kay) who get involved with a sister group comprised of Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen).   The boys follow the girls to their next performance located at a quaint inn located in Vermont.     Unfortunately, the inn has fallen on bad times and is now in financial trouble. However, the kindly old innkeeper will not hear of canceling the girls’ contract and insists on paying them to perform.  As it turns out, the innkeeper is General Waverly (Dean Jagger), Bob and Phil’s commander from World War II.   The foursome hatch a plan to produce a musical extravaganza that is sure to put General Waverly’s inn back in business.  This is a wonderful feel-good movie that will delight you will classic musical numbers and wonderful choreography.  Bing Crosby and Danny Kay deliver hilarious punchlines and...

  I was introduced to bow-making many years ago from a good friend when we were both a little strapped for cash at holiday time.   We were looking for some great deals at a crafting store and they had a sale on a bow-making kit and ribbon.    For the price of 1 really nice bow, I took a chance and picked up the bow maker, ribbon, and florist wire.    Since we already had snipping tools, we were all set to make bows.   I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the bows turned out and the number of bows 1 roll of ribbon made.      Let’s check out how to make the magic happen.  Step 1- Place ribbon with right side facing up to start to create the tail of the ribbon.   When you get to the dowels, make a half-twist. Step 2- When the ribbon reaches the length of the first loop, then fold the ribbon back on itself and return to the dowels.        Step 3- Make a half-twist and continue to the leng...

  After a long day when it is dark and cold outside, there is nothing better than a warm cup of rich hot chocolate.   To put it over the top add whip cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.   Each winter I create a hot chocolate bar to satisfy our sweet tooth and treat us to a bit of luxury on cold wintery days.   In addition, we enjoy hot chocolate during Advent as a treat.     Here is how I do it:  I dedicate a specific space in the kitchen to create my Hot Chocolate Bar.  I gather all of my components.    Placing them in a basket, jar, or have them available in the refrigerator and label.      Download my labels by clicking on the picture to get the link. I add a sign and it is ready to use.     Download by clicking on the picture for the link. Leave a picture of your Hot Chocolate Bar below.  Enjoy your Hot Chocolate Bar. 

Random Acts of Kindness Budget Girl on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPTRGYqPE74 ) has challenged her YouTube friends to share their random acts of kindness this holiday season.  Although I have not been asked to participate, I love her idea and want to share what Acts of Kindness I have done or am planning on doing.   My son asked to put up an extra stocking for Jesus this holiday season. When I asked him what his thoughts were regarding this idea, his response was this season is to celebrate Jesus’ birthday and Jesus should receive a gift too. When I pressed him for what he wanted to give Jesus. He suggested that we place items from our stock pile in a box and keep our eyes out each week for things to add to Jesus’ box.  Then once Epiphany (January 6th) has come that we donate the entire box to the food bank because donations drop off in January, and that is what Jesus would like us to do. Our family thinks it is a great idea and...