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Last Minute Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas

Saturday, November 16th, 2019

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is upon us!

This year I get to host both sides of my family at my home for the Thanksgiving holiday so I have been in full planning mode over the last couple of weeks.

As a hostess, I know that often our time is more focused on the food than the decorations, but you need not spend oodles of your time crafting or purchasing a lot to make your table beautiful.

In fact, this post shows you that that by shopping your very own home and adding a few inexpensive items from Goodwill, you are just minutes away from the perfect Thanksgiving table.

Here are six great last minute Thanksgiving ideas to pull together a beautiful time for your holiday feast.

Add Thoughtful Layering

I am seeing so many beautiful layers this year for Thanksgiving decor.

Holly Mathis Interiors shows you a beautiful table that you can achieve easily by layering items from around your house or from Goodwill.

A couple of items to note in this shot, you can add backyard leaf branches in glass jars to add a rustic element, flannel throws add warmth to the table without a more formal tablecloth, pumpkins add another natural element, and you can mix and match your chairs or mix in chairs found from the store to create that homey detail that I love.

How pretty is that?

Add Unexpected Textures

Once again, I am seeing that people are pulling away from the traditional tablecloth and going for the unexpected texture on table.

In Home Stories A to Z, she has used a beautiful cabled throw to add warmth and texture to the table.

White linens can be stamped with gold (I love my friend Michael’s easy gold foil napkins tutorial for this!)

Check your favorite thrift store for pretty knit blanket throws or white linens for stamping.

You never know what treasures you can find in housewares until you go browse!

Additional details like pretty ribbon, personalized tags, and a few well-placed feathers never hurt either, do they?

Make Your Guests Feel Cozy

If I was going to design my perfect Thanksgiving table, it would look just like this.

Gatherings of friends in the crisp fall air with cozy blankets are such a beautiful and lovely way to celebrate the season.

Once again, we see how cozy the mismatched look can be.

From mismatched pillows to blankets to chairs, it all comes together beautifully when placed around a table.

A glass vase can hold a rustic bouquet from the backyard and pumpkins offer a beautiful detail leading up to the barn.

This is definitely my dream tablescape and can be achieved just by bringing a few of the items you have from inside your house to the great outdoors. (image source: Lexington Company)

Personalize It

When something has my name on it, it immediately feels special to me.

I love this idea for taking a simple Plexiglas circle and adding a little calligraphy to it to personalize each table setting for your guests.

Is your handwriting as terrible as mine?

I sure hope not!

If it is though, Almost Makes Perfect provides the template you need to create your names and simply trace them, making this a beautiful and painless craft for the table.

Add a 5-Minute Detail

Centerpieces can be pricey and feel tricky to pull together especially if you lack that designer instinct.

I have found that the simpler the centerpiece though, the easier it is to see and chat with my dinner guests.

My sweet friend, Julie Blanner, is the queen of beautiful and simple decor and she shares her easy 5-minute centerpiece for the holidays on her blog.

With a quick trip to the grocery store and a platter, you can add a little natural beauty in no time flat!

I also love these give thanks printables to tuck in your cutlery from Craftaholics Anonymous.

That is another 5-minute detail I feel confident that I could execute!

Dress up your Utensils

Julie over at The Craft Patch has these adorable utensil pouches that will make any table a little more fun!

Wrap around the napkin with the knives and forks and your table is set and beautiful!

Put the Leftover Herbs to Work

My kitchen is filled with sage for our favorite stuffing and herbed turkey that I have loved to serve over the years.

If you have any leftover, it can add a beautiful detail to your table.

Simply place the herbs in a glass jar and tie with a simple satin ribbon to finish.

Not only is this pretty to look at, but it also smells so good too! (image source: Buzzfeed)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and I hope these easy last minute ideas inspire you for your holiday meal!

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Here are some more great Thanksgiving ideas from MomAdvice.com:

Best of Fall, Halloween & Thanksgiving

Make-Ahead & Freeze Your Thanksgiving Meal

DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece

DIY Thumbtack Pumpkins

DIY Table Runner for All Seasons

Tags: Decorate for Thanksgiving, Easy Thanksgiving Table Ideas, Ideas for Decorating Thanksgiving Table, Last Minute Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Printable Ideas, Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Posted in Celebrations, Holidays, Home, My Work | No Comments »

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars

Friday, November 15th, 2019

These no-bake peppermint cheesecakes in a jar are a perfect gift to give and full of that peppermint flavor we crave around the holidays. The best part about these isn’t the jar though, it is the, “no baking required,” feature that I happen to love the most. Print this recipe today for an adorable individual-sized dessert.

These mini peppermint cheesecake jars are a fun holiday party dessert or could be a fantastic hostess gift to share with someone. This no-bake cheesecake recipe is quick and easy and perfect for stashing in the freezer for the unexpected guest.

I have a theory that any gift in a jar is more special when decorated and created in a portion size for one.

In the past, I have made only salads in a jar. Although I do love a good jarred salad, I have to say that cheesecake is a heck of a lot more fun.

This year I wanted to create holiday hostess gifts that would long be remembered, but quickly be used.

What could be more memorable or useful than a tiny cheesecake in a jar?

The thing is, I am NOT a great baker.

Why let my skill set stop me from delivering a delicious dessert though?

That is why I thought it would be fun to make a no-bake treat instead that even a beginning cook could pull together.

These no-bake peppermint cheesecakes in a jar are a perfect gift to give. Nothing says the holidays to me more than that minty flavor and festive crushed candy canes.

Is it just me or are chocolate and peppermint the most perfect of pairs? With this dessert, I used crushed cookies instead of the traditional graham cracker crust (made from graham cracker crumbs) for my cheesecake.

I just love bringing those peppermint and chocolate flavors together.

I also love a rich cheesecake filling so I skipped a lower calorie filling substitution (like greek yogurt or sour cream) and opted for full-fat cream cheese for my filling.

YOLO, amiright?

The best part about these isn’t the jar though, it is the, “no baking required,” feature that I happen to love the most.

Here’s how to make these delicious no-bake peppermint cheesecakes.

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars

The cookie crust, for these adorable jarred cheesecakes, can be created by crushing the cookies with a rolling pin or pulsing them through your food processor.

Gluten-free?

No problem!

They make delicious gluten-free cookie sandwiches or I have even used a gluten-free chocolate granola as a fun substitution for my curst.

After laying down your cookie base you can blend up your cream cheese mixture for your cheesecake filling.

I like to use a handheld electric mixer and blend this cheesecake filling in a mixing bowl.

Folding in the whipped cream, at the end, allows helps this cheesecake filling to be light and airy.

To get that holiday peppermint flavor, we just substitute a traditional vanilla extract with a peppermint extract instead.

The possibilities with this fun food craft are endless.

Convert your favorite no-bake cheesecake into a sweet gift. I love to decorate jars with spray paint or a scrap of pretty fabric.

These gifts can easily be personalized and will be a fun treat for whoever you might share them with.

I guarantee if you made me one of these, as a hostess gift, I would have you over and over again…

How To Decorate Yours No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Jars

Supplies Needed

10 Half-Pint Ball Jars

Red Spray Paint (I REALLY recommend getting one of these to help with paint application)

Hot Glue and Glue Sticks

Green Grosgrain Ribbon

Directions

Remove the bands from the jars and set aside. Outside or in a well-ventilated area, spread your jar lids out on newspaper.

Shake your spray paint well.

Slowly and evenly, spray your spray paint back and forth until all of the lids are covered with the spray paint.

Allow these to dry for at least thirty minutes.

Plug in your glue gun and allow it to heat up.

Tie grosgrain ribbon (any width you desire) into a small bow.

Place your spray-painted lids on top of your jars and screw the bands into place.

Squirt a tiny dot of hot glue on the back of your bow and place it on top in the center of your lid. Hold it in place for a minute. Sit back and bask in your crafting glory.

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecakes In A Jar

Author: Amy Allen Clark

Prep time: 15 mins

Total time: 15 mins

Serves: 10

A sweet & simple no-bake cheesecake in a jar that you can give to someone special for the holidays. This is the perfect little hostess gift, teacher gift, or neighbor gift to share!

Ingredients

10 Half Pint Ball Jars
Cooking Spray
2 cups of chocolate sandwich cookies (approximately 17 cookies)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
2 cups whipping cream, whipped
Red food coloring
20 peppermint candies
3 freezer bags
1 rolling pin
For decorating jars (optional): Red Spray Paint, Green Grosgrain Ribbon, and Hot Glue

Instructions

Place your chocolate sandwich cookies in a freezer bag and use a rolling pin to smash them until they become cookie crumbs.
Add your melted butter and sugar to a bag and mix until the three ingredients pull together. You just want to make sure that your crust is well incorporated so it holds well together.
Take the lids off of your glass jars and place them on a cookie sheet to contain the mess.
Spray each of the jars with cooking spray. Put two spoonfuls of cookie crumbs into each jar and use the back of the spoon or your hands to press the crust into each jar.
Slide the cookie sheet of jars back into the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
In a large bowl, beat your cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually pour in a can of sweetened condensed milk until it is smooth.
Stir in your peppermint extract and red food coloring, approximately three drops, to achieve a pale pink color. Mix all of these ingredients well.
Fold in your whipped cream.
Remove your tray of jars from the freezer. Using a standard ice cream scoop, add one scoop of filling to each of your jars. Use the back of a small spoon to smooth the filling on top until it is level and smooth.
Remove the wrappers from your peppermint candies. Place the peppermint candies into a double-bagged freezer bag and use your rolling pin to smash these into small pieces to garnish your cheesecakes. Sprinkle the broken peppermints on top of each one.
Screw the lids back on your jars and put these back into the freezer. Freeze for two hours or until firm.

Make a batch of these and keep them on hand for those unexpected occasions where a gift is needed!
It also could be a lovely reward for yourself after all of that hard holiday preparation you have been doing. You deserve it.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for more great holiday hostess gift? Here are 3 other projects to check out!

knitted wine bottle hats and scarves

slow cooker pumpkin candles

diy vanilla chai tea mix in a jar

What are some of your favorite hostess gifts to give?

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Tags: Cheesecake in a Jar, Gifts, Holiday Cheesecake, Hostess Gifts, Jarred Peppermint Cheesecake, No Bake Cheesecake, No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake
Posted in Celebrations, Desserts, DIY, Gifts | 6 Comments »

6 Sitcoms That Make Us Give Thanks

Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

Here’s a list of everything you need to stream on television for Thanksgiving! These 6 tv shows, with hilarious and heartwarming Thanksgiving episodes, prove that this season really is all about family. Be sure to pin this post so you can remember this list of Thanksgiving episodes, for your family, every year.

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

Apparently this is the year the internet decided we should get all up in arms about “skipping Thanksgiving.”

Because if I had a nickel for every meme, GIF, and comment I’ve seen about how we are just starting Christmas too soon and Hallmark and Hobby Lobby need to slow their roll and take time for Thanksgiving, I’d have a whole lot more money for Christmas shopping.

Okay, look.

Nobody is skipping Thanksgiving.

For one thing, Friends is such a big deal this year that in the last week of November, you can go to the theater and watch all 8 Friends Thanksgiving episodes.

Calm down, Karen! Fathom Events and Friends is going to make sure we don’t skip Thanksgiving! (All those details are here.)

But also, news flash!, we can be extra grateful even while preparing for Christmas.

We can eat turkey while watching Lifetime Christmas movies.

We can hang leaves on our gratitude trees and play touch football that turns into fighting football and go around the table and talk about what we’re most thankful for even if the lights are already on the house.

It’s going to be okay.

And, if we take a little time to enjoy Thanksgiving with our favorite TV episodes devoted to the supposedly overlooked but not really holiday, it will be way better than okay.

Because something about forcing people together for a meal on which we place sky-high expectations brings out the most outrageous, laughable situations — at least on TV!

While those ingredients might make for tension and drama in real life, something about watching fictional holiday dysfunction played for laughs alleviates our actual stress.

After all, Uncle Larry might be making the rounds again with awkward hugs and offensive jokes, but at least nobody is going to end up with a turkey on her head.

Perspective, people.

Several of our favorite shows will air brand-new Thanksgiving episodes this year.

But in case you want to start celebrating early (gasp! can you imagine?!), here’s a list of shows with rich and ridiculous Thanksgiving traditions.

6 Sitcoms That Make Us Give Thanks

Modern Family

One of the things I love most about this family is their insane competitive nature.

And for some reason, that comes out most brilliantly at Thanksgiving.

Tired of hearing humble brags about kids who play more sports and getter better grades than yours?

Join the Pritchetts as they try to prove who’s best. Stream on Hulu.

Punkin Chunkin – season 3, episode 9
Three Turkeys – season 6, episode 8
Thanksgiving Jamboree – season 8, episode 7
Winner Winner Turkey Dinner – season 9, episode 7

How I Met Your Mother

What do I love more than a bit that lasts multiple seasons?

NOTHING.

Not a thing.

So Slapsgiving is right up my alley, and my husband and I quote it to this day! Stream on Hulu.

Belly Full of Turkey – season 1, episode 9
Slapsgiving – season 3, episode 9
Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap – season 5, episode 2
Blitzgiving – season 6, episode 10
The Rebound Girl – season 7, episode 11

Will & Grace

The Thanksgiving episodes for Will & Grace are so epic, they require more than one episode per season!

Secrets (and so much more) come out, and it makes me laugh every time! Stream on Hulu.

Homo for the Holidays – season 2, episode 7
Lows in the Mid-Eighties – season 3, episodes 8-9
Moveable Feast – season 4, episodes 9-10
Queens for a Day – season 7, episodes 10-11

New Girl

Anyone who attempts to defrost a turkey in the dryer is clearly a Thanksgiving pro.

If by “Thanksgiving pro,” I mean someone who will make me laugh so hard I cry and also make me feel better about my own domestic abilities.

Thank you, New Girl. Stream on Netflix.

Thanksgiving – season 1, episode 6
Parents – season 2, episode 8
Thanksgiving III – season 3, episode 10
Thanksgiving IV – season 4, episode 9
Last Thanksgiving – season 6, episode 7

The Goldbergs

I have been slowly watching this show over the past year.

Slowly because I love it SO MUCH and I don’t ever want it to end.

And what do I consistently love most of all?

The Thanksgiving episodes.

Because who loses her mind more at the holidays than a smother mother?

Nobody, that’s who. Stream on Hulu.

Stop Arguing & Start Thanking – season 1, episode 9
A Goldberg Thanksgiving – season 2, episode 7
In Conclusion, Thanksgiving – season 3, episode 8
Ho-ly K.I.T.T. – season 4, episode 7
A Wall Street Thanksgiving – season 5, episode 7

Friends

Back in the early days of blogging, I wrote about Friends Thanksgiving episodes multiple times.

I’m not even the biggest Friends fan in the world, but could its holiday episodes BE any more iconic? Stream on Netflix.

The One Where the Underdog Gets Away – season 1, episode 9
The One with the List – season 2, episode 8
The One with the Football – season 3, episode 9
The One with All the Thanksgivings – season 5, episode 8
The One Where Ross Got High – season 6, episode 9
The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs – season 7, episode 8
The One with Rachel’s Other Sister – season 9, episode 8
The One with the Late Thanksgiving – season 10, episode 8

Lots of other TV shows have fantastic Thanksgiving episodes (Fresh Off the Boat, Master of None, West Wing, This is Us, Parenthood, and Gilmore Girls to name just a few.) I’d love to hear about which ones are your favorites!

For a helpful guide for surviving Thanksgiving like the Gilmore Girls, click here.

Mary Carver is a writer, speaker, and recovering perfectionist. She lives for good books, spicy queso, and television marathons, but she lives because of God’s grace. Mary writes with humor and honesty about giving up on perfect and finding truth in unexpected places on her blog,MaryCarver.com. She is the author of Fast Talk & Faith: A 22-Day Devotional Inspired by Gilmore Girls and co-author of Choose Joy: Finding Hope & Purpose When Life Hurts. She is also a regular contributor to incourage.me and MothersofDaughters.com. Mary and her husband live in Kansas City with their two daughters.

What are your favorite Thanksgiving TV episodes?

This post contains affiliate links.

Love this post? Here are some other Thanksgiving posts you might enjoy!

planning a few rounds of board games for Thanksgiving? Check out this post on getting them all organized for family time

looking for an activity to do together? These homeless care packages would be a great family activity.

hitting the road for the holiday? print out these free travel games to keep the kids busy!

make and freeze this year’s thanksgiving meal, ahead of time, with this fun menu plan

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Tags: Thanksgiving Sitcom Episodes, Thanksgiving Television, Thanksgiving TV Schedule
Posted in Entertaining, Holidays | No Comments »

Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy (With VIDEO)

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Did you know that is possible to make your gravy recipe early and freeze it for the holidays. This gravy hack can be done by using turkey (or chicken) wings for your base. You won’t believe how delicious this recipe!

I’m back with another make-ahead recipe for Thanksgiving Day today.

This week I am sharing a fantastic Make-Ahead Gravy recipe that you can have waiting in your freezer for the big day.

I am excited about this recipe because it provides, yet again, one more dish that you can create to make your day as stress-free as possible.

To begin this recipe and create the base, without the turkey, you can use chicken or turkey wings and add onions that you roast in your oven to make those magical drippings that you need to create the base of this gravy recipe.

I was not able to locate turkey wings at our market so I substituted with the always available chicken wings.

Don’t be surprised if your kitchen already smells like Thanksgiving with just the base of this recipe!

Be sure to scrap those delicious pan drippings up from your dutch oven or roasting pan. These stuck on bits are what make your dressing so rich and flavorful. They also add a rich golden brown hue to your gravy.

Add chopped carrots, celery, fresh herbs, turkey or chicken stock, and a little poultry seasoning, salt, and ground pepper. All these additions really help to round out the flavorings in this make-ahead dish.

Allow this to simmer, stirring occasionally, for one-and-a-half hours. Add the flour mixture to the gravy to thicken. After straining, you can whisk in the flour and cook whisking constantly.

When reheating, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed. I like to put mine in saucepan over medium high heat.

There you have it, an easy make-ahead gravy that makes eight cups of delicious gravy for the big day!

Note: This should yield approximately five cups of gravy!

Make-Ahead Gravy

Recipe Type: Side

Author: Adapted Slightly from AllRecipes

Prep time: 30 mins

Cook time: 2 hours 30 mins

Total time: 3 hours

Serves: 15-20

Don’t panic about the gravy this year! Try this easy make-ahead gravy recipe that makes eight cups of gravy for your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients

6 turkey or chicken wings
2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
2 tablespooons olive oil
1 cup water
2 quarts chicken broth, divided
3/4 cup chopped carrot
1-2 stalks of celery, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme (leave on the stem and add to the pot)
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange a single layer of turkey or chicken wings in a large roasting pan. Scatter the onions over the top of the wings. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 1-1/4 hours or until wings are browned.
Place browned wings and onions in a 5 quart stockpot. Add water to roasting pan and stir, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Pour the the water from the pan into the stockpot. Stir in 6 cups broth, carrot, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper (to taste). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 1-1/2 hours.
Remove wings from the pot and place on a cutting board. When the wings are cool, pull off the skin and meat. Discard the skin and save the meat for another use. Strain contents of stockpot through a large strainer into a 3 quart saucepan. Press on the vegetables to extract any remaining liquid. Discard the vegetables and skim the fat off the liquid. Bring the contents of the pot to a gentle boil.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour into the remaining 2 cups chicken broth until smooth. Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the simmering turkey broth; simmer 3-4 minutes or until the gravy has thickened. Stir in the butter and pepper. Serve immediately or pour into containers and refrigerate or freeze.

Looking for more Thanksgiving Make-Ahead Dishes? Here are a few of my favorites!

make ahead cranberry sauce

make-ahead green bean casserole make-ahead mashed potatoes

make-ahead bacon, apple, and cornbread gluten-free stuffing

how to decorate store-bought pies for the big day

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post contains affiliate links.

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Tags: Easy Gravy Recipe, Freezer Gravy Recipe, Make Ahead Gravy, Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes, Ultimate Turkey Gravy Recipe
Posted in Celebrations, Holidays, Sides | 7 Comments »

How to Knit a Scarf for Fall (FREE Scarf and Cowl Knitting Patterns)

Monday, November 4th, 2019

Are you looking for a few quick knitting projects? Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite free knitting patterns to make a quick easy cowl, an infinity scarf, and more. From super bulky knitted cowls to pretty ruffled scarves, I have 7 great patterns for you today!

I was madly in love with scarf knitting when I first began to knit.

Knitted scarves are a fabulous way to learn pattern, try stitches you have never tried before, and can be an elegant (and frugal) gift to give when the holiday season rolls around.

I have spent many days learning the techniques of different stitch patterns that now, many of these feel like an old friend. The first stitch pattern I mastered was, of course, garter stitch. After that, I knitted a seed stitch and worked my way out to a more complex lace cowl.

Have you always wanted to learn to knit a scarf? This is a great time to start thinking about asking for knitting classes for Christmas.

I love doing courses through Skillshare because their memberships are super affordable.

Want to try out a Skillshare membership? Here is a coupon for two months of free classes to get you started!

I love to knit scarves and I want to share with you 7 fun patterns to add to your knitting projects. Each of these is uniquely special and the patterns are free!

It may not feel like scarf season just yet, but for knitters, it is time to start our engines for holiday knitting.

Each year I try to knit a scarf for our teachers, friends, and family.

I already have my eyes on a few new patterns to try for this year, but wanted to share with you a few of my favorite scarves I have done in years past and how to package them for gift-giving this year.

Are you my friend on Ravelry?

If not, I would love to be friends! My username is momadvice on there. I am always looking for new friends to knit with and share project ideas!

How to Knit a Scarf for Fall (FREE Scarf and Cowl Knitting Patterns)

(don’t forget to download the Rakuten app to get cash back on all of your craft purchases)

I knitted three of these ruffled scarves last year and all of them turned out so pretty!

These ruffled scarves are definitely a statement piece, meant to add a punch of femininity to your winter coat!

I made one in this light gray for a friend, one in a charcoal gray for my sister, and one in ivory for my mom. I am determined to knit one of these in a fun jewel tone this year for myself.

Beautifully Ruffled Lace Scarves

Pattern:

Ruffle Lace Scarf by Suzie Blackman

Needle Size:

US 10 Needles (40″ circular needles)

Yarn:

Caron Simply Soft in Heather Gray (or a thin worsted weight yarn)

What You Should Know About This Ruffled Lace Scarf Pattern:

If you want a scarf that is wildly impressive, can be created with a single ball of yarn, and looks like a million bucks than this scarf would be the perfect gift to give this holiday season.

It is a very mindless knit, but is an INSANE amount of stitches, especially in the last two rows (over one thousand stitches!).

The beauty of this scarf though is that you only need to know how to knit, purl, and yarn over to create it.

The twisting is created by knitting the scarf lengthwise, rather than width-wise and through the series of yarn overs.

As pictures above show, you can see that it is really hard to see your stitches, let alone if it is actually going to twist.

The good news is, as you cast off, you will see that scarf naturally twists, making that beautiful ruffled twist.

This one is definitely a statement piece and is also a statement of your absolute love for whoever you might make it for!

I followed the pattern that is linked above, but added four more rows to give the scarf a fuller appearance. I repeated rows 11-14 two times before I started rows 15-16. I am really glad I did and love the lush fullness of this scarf.

Gorgeous Gathered Scarves

Pattern:

Gathered Scarf by Maryse Roudier

Needle Size:

US 4 & US 7

Yarn:

Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Lime

What You Should Know About This Gathered Scarf Pattern:

I knitted two of these beautiful scarves in a soft lime green and in ivory for my sister and one for a friend as holiday gifts and they both wore them often with their winter coats.

This was the first time I attempted anything that ruffled or gathered, and thought it would be a fun pattern for someone who just wants to start trying a pattern with some texture in it.

This pattern is so easy for a beginner and was a gift that was loved by both of them.

You actually use two different needle sizes to create the gathered effect on these scarves which added beautiful detail and a bit of ruffling to the scarves.

I loved that the cotton is so stretchy and soft.

I would definitely recommend this pattern especially to a beginner who is looking to add a little variation to the traditional scarf!

Merci Scarf

Pattern:

Merci Scarf by Susan Rainey

Needle Size:

US 8 Needles (I used size US 9 needles, which created a little bit wider scarf, but you could use the US 8’s that are recommended)

Yarn:

Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky Weight in Molten Lava (2.5 skeins)

What You Should Know About This Merci Pattern:

This scarf is so simple and fast to whip up that it would make the perfect gift to give to any man in your life. The super bulky yarn and simple stitch pattern make it one of those scarves that is easy to have on the knitting needles.

This pattern is one that you can complete while watching your favorite shows on television and is almost impossible to get off track.

This yarn was also perfect for creating a really warm scarf, perfect for our Midwest winters.

I would recommend this scarf pattern for a beginning knitter or for a last minute gift for someone special in your life!

I made these for my husband and brother and they both wore them every day.

It made me so proud to see my knits were loved by them and to know they were wrapped in something that I made just for them.

Anthropologie-Inspired Scarflets

Pattern:

Anthro-Inspired Scarflet (available as a free Ravelry download with your free Ravelry membership) by Kim Seio & Lydia Flowers (optional, for embellishment) or cute buttons.

Needle Size:

US 8 Needles (straight) for both the flowers and the scarflet

Yarn:

Premier Yarns Chunky Weight in Pristine (scarf) & Yarn Bee Boucle Traditions in Black (for the first scarf) & Premier Yarns Chunky Weight in Brown with simple ivory button threaded with pink embroidery thread (for the second scarf)

What You Should Know About This Anthropologie-Inspired Scarflet Pattern:

I followed the sizing and increases that ilikecookies(another Ravelry member) had shared in her pattern.

She said, “Increased until 30 stitches, worked 15 rows even until ribbed section and knit 15 rows of ribbing to make a slightly larger scarflet.”

I added a black Lydia Flower (size small) with a red button center to finish it or colorful buttons with contrasting embroidery thread to finish!

Next time I make this, I will have to write on the label though that these were scarfs.

The teachers thought they might be hats…which I guess you could do too!

Regardless, I got such wonderful compliments and tried to make each of them unique with flower embellishments or different unique buttons and colored embroidery threads on each one.

Want to take your gift to the next level? Invest in a personalized stamp that lets the recipient know that their gift was handmade.

Dolce Neck Cozy

Pattern:

Dolce Neck Cozy by Fiddle Knits Designs

Needle Size:

US 9 Needles (straight)

Yarn:

Bamboospun Natural Bamboo Yarn (purchased at Hobby Lobby)

What You Should Know About This Dolce Neck Cozy Pattern:

This was one of my first projects when I learned to knit and would be a perfect project for a newbie knitter.

At the time I had no idea how to do buttonholes or how to knit with two strands of yarn so this was what I was able to do with my limited knitting knowledge.

I completed the Dulce #2 (Browns) Pattern. This took almost all 148 yards, but I knitted loosely so I would not have to make the buttonhole.

I opted for one button instead of two and chose a black wooden button to bring the cowl together.

This would be a great pattern to take on a trip because it has only one row of real pattern and alternates only between two rows one of purling and one of pattern.

It has a herringbone type of look to it and looks far more complicated than it is.

Thanks to the large needles, it is an easy cowl pattern to whip up.

I made this in bamboo which was so soft, it felt just like a blanket.

This is a great project for instant gratification!

It is a wonderful pattern for a newbie knitter in understanding yarn overs.

Rainy Day Scarf

Pattern:

Rainy Day Scarf by Beth Collins

Needle Size:

US 9 Needles (straight)

Yarn:

Bernat Cottontots in Strawberry

What You Should Know About This Rainy Day Scarf Pattern

I remember being so darn proud of these scarves because these were my first scarves that I had ever knitted and gave as gifts to our kids teachers.

This is a great pattern because it is easy and straightforward for a beginning knitter because you only need to know how to do the purl and knit stitches.

This scarf was packaged with my homemade cocoa mix and vanilla chai mix in a green and lovely way… in those old Crystal Light containers.

Isn’t that a great upcycle?

I used some holiday gift wrap to cover them and tied a gift tag with some raffia around the drink mix containers.

These are ideal, particularly for teacher gifts, because I don’t have to worry that my children will break the jars in route to school.

Waterproof and airtight, it keeps the drink mix nice and safe. With a handmade or store-bought scarf, it makes a perfectly cozy gift to give.

How to Package Up Your Handmade Scarves for Gift-Giving

For a sweet and simple gift idea, tuck a small denominator gift card in the pocket where the scarf slides in or tie it with a little ribbon or yarn to your handmade item.

I made a stack of these for our teacher gifts last year and each one had a $5 Starbucks gift card tucked into the pocket that was created in the scarflet.

I also finish all of my knitted gifts with fun homemade gift tags.

I used my Cricut to create the rounded rectangle template. I made these simple tags out of ivory card stock or you can just buy a package of tags to add to your handmade gifts.

As a holiday treat to myself last Christmas, I bought myself a personalized stamp and, I have to say, it really added that professional touch to my gifts!

They have one for knitters and one for crocheters too.

Happy knitting, friends!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post contains affiliate links.

Looking for more great knitted gift ideas? Here are a few of my favorites!

how to make knitted wine bottle hats and scarves for hostess gifts

how to knit a big fat hygge blanket (DIY Chunky Knit Blanket)

how to make a knitted leaf centerpiece with branches & scrap yarn

how to knit sweater coffee cozies for gifts

Have you knitted any of the scarves we featured today? I’d love to hear about your knitting projects!

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Tags: Crafting, Easy Beginner Knitted Scarf Pattern Ideas, Gifts, How to Knit a Ruffled Scarf, Scarf Patterns for Fall
Posted in DIY, Gifts, Holidays, Knitting | 31 Comments »

Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookies Recipe

Monday, November 4th, 2019

Gluten-Free Cake Mix Sugar Cookie recipe can be made into beautiful sugar cookie rolls with just a few simple ingredients. This easy freezer recipe for gluten-free cookies is such a great item to keep stocked for the perfect hostess gift or for a friend in need. Tied with ribbon, you have the perfect gift for any occasion!

Do you ever have a really hard time with a recipe and then later wonder if it had ever been tested?

That was the case with this project from start to finish.

These cookies were supposed to be simple and straightforward, but the recipe ended up being written completely wrong.

Thankfully for you, I spent a whole day figuring out what went wrong with this one and how we can fix it so that you can have an awesome baking day!

Please read this post carefully, I am offering you a load of tips for a successful baking day!

Are M&M’s Gluten-Free?

Let’s begin with the question, are M&M’s gluten-free?

The answer is that most M&M’s are gluten-free.

In fact, most of the varieties they typically carry, other than their pretzel variety, are gluten-free.

What I found with the Red Velvet M&M’s though are that they are gluten-free, but in high times of production, like Halloween & Valentine’s Day, Mars uses alternative facilities to make its candy and some of those may introduce cross-contamination risks.

These Red Velvet M&M’s are ones that could have been cross-contaminated.

If this is of high concern, look for the plain M&M’s, preferably mini-M&M’s to help your dough hold up better.

It is always important to read your labels carefully and know that Mars Chocolate always promises to call out any wheat, barley, and rye ingredients by name, as well as any cross-contamination risks on their labels.

I recommend this information page for finding which candies are safe to eat.

Tips for a Successful Dough

As, I am a big fan of the Betty Crocker cake mixes, I used this mix to create my cookies.

As you can see when I mixed the ingredients together, this dough is very crumbly.

To help make this dough really hold and stick together, add 3-4 teaspoons of water to the dough, until it really comes together. This will help when slicing your sugar cookie rolls.

The recipe that was written did not add this to the dough and so when I sliced them, the cookie dough crumbled. I had to add my water later and chill them again for another three hours.

Once I sliced with the liquid addition, the dough held much better.

If you need these cookies to be dairy-free as well as gluten-free, please read the notes in the recipe on how you can create these without the butter.

Tips for a Successful Sugar Cookie Log

One more thing, I learned while creating this cookies is that it is better to make your sugar cookie roll WITHOUT the M&M’s in it and then add them to your cookies after so you can get beautifully clean slices.

Trying to cut through these Red Velvet M&M’s was a real challenge so I would encourage adding them after or just doing these cookies as a drop cookie.

To do a sugar cookie roll, as pictured above with M&M’s, seek the mini varieties.

Again, read the packaging carefully to insure that they are safe for eating.

Wrap your sugar cookie roll in wax paper and chill for three hours or more.

Once you are ready to bake off your cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and then slice them and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet or a well-greased cookie sheet.

I prefer parchment paper squares (like these), both for the ease of clean-up and how beautifully these cookies will set up.

Allow these to cool and then transfer.

These cookies are very delicate in texture so you will want to give them plenty of time to set up.

What Do They Taste Like?

These cookies are so delicious that you will NEVER know that they are gluten-free.

The dough is so flavorful and the healthy dose of vanilla in the batter makes these taste like a cookie dough that you truly slaved over.

The addition of the candies adds that yummy chocolate flavor that I think every good cookie should have.

With these helpful tips, I hope you will have a successful baking day and hope that this easy treat idea will help as you plan your own holiday treats this year!

Can I Freeze These?

Cookies can be frozen!

It is recommended that you wrap them in aluminum foil or in a resealable plastic bag for up to one month.

Let the cookies thaw on the kitchen counters overnight before serving.

What Other Ways Can I Spice Up These Cookies?

If you can’t have chocolate, there are many other ways you can spice these easy cookies up.

Add Sprinkles– Lightly beat one egg white and brush the tops of your cookies with it, then sprinkle with gluten-free sugar sprinkles.

Add Zest– Add 1 teaspoon of grated lemon, orange, or key lime zest

Switch Your Extract– Try a different extract in your dough like almond or butter

Make It Spicy– Add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or dust the tops with the egg white & a cinnamon & sugar combo.

Check out the recipe below! Love this project? Here are a few other gift ideas I think you will like!

diy vanilla chai mix

diy orange sugar scrub

diy knitted wine hats & scarves

diy mojito bath salts

diy grilling seasoning mixes

knitted coffee cozies

Gluten-Free Cake Mix Cookies

Author: Amy Clark

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 8 mins

Total time: 23 mins

Serves: 3 dozen

Cake mix cookies that can be gluten-free and dairy-free for a fun treat to share for any holiday.

Ingredients

1 package (15 ounces) yellow gluten-free cake mix
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter- if dairy-free replace with vegetable shortening, MELTED
1 large egg
3-4 teaspoons warm water, just until you see your dough pull together
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup M&M’s or read the post for other ways to spice up these cookies

Instructions

Place the cake mix, butter (or vegetable shortening), egg, water, and vanilla in your mixing bowl and beat on low speed until well-combined.
Using a spatula fold in the M&M’s (if mini-sized) or reserve to press these into each cookie after they have been cut (if large-sized)
Place the cookie dough on a sheet of wax paper and then press with your hands to form a long,approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. Tightly roll the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets well or cover these in parchment paper.
Unwrap the dough and transfer to a cutting board and slice them in 1/4-3/8″ slices.
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake until the cookies are lightly browned on the edges,7-10 minutes.
Let the cookies fully cool before transferring.

Have you ever made gluten-free cake mix sugar cookies? Do you have any tips for beginning gluten-free bakers on ways to increase success with cake mix cookies?

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post contains affiliate links.

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Tags: Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Cake Mix Cookies, Gluten Free MMs, Gluten-Free Cake Mix Cookies, Gluten-Free Slice And Bake Cookies, Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Recipe, Gluten-Free Valentines Day Cookies
Posted in Celebrations, Desserts, Kid Eats, My Work | 2 Comments »

The Hidden Secrets to Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Monday, November 4th, 2019

Do you know the hidden secrets to the perfect cut-out sugar cookies? Put your stand mixer to work and blend up this incredible sugar cookie dough. You will learn how to make rolling and cutting sugar cookies easier. These tricks yield cookies that stay soft- bookmark this perfect cut-out cookie recipe today!

I love, love, love to cook.

Baking bread, whipping up fancy dinners, making stacks of gourmet waffles…those are my favorite thing to do!

Baking cookies?

Total fail.

I don’t know what it is, but making great cookies is not something I am good at.

To be honest, I just don’t think I have the patience for it.

More than that, I haven’t had the time.

I rely on bar cookies, quick breads, and other easy snacks to get us by.

Of all of the fails, cut-out sugar cookies have been the biggest fail for me.

They are misshapen, taste like cardboard, and are far too time-consuming.

I tried so many recipes with the same results and had determined that cut-out cookies were just NOT my thing.

I decided this year though that I would find a good recipe that would look nice and yield a tasty result.

Where do I turn when I don’t have time to run a full-fledged test kitchen out of my home?

My America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook.

Don’t they have such great recipes?

The recipe was entirely unique and promised fantastic results.

Crisp cookies, full flavor, and step-by-step tutorials that would be worth eating and sharing.

The Hidden Secrets to Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Trick #1: Use a Superfine Sugar

The first step towards a great sugar cookie was to use superfine sugar.

According to the cookbook, superfine sugar gives the cookies a finer crumb and crisper texture.

What is Superfine Sugar?

Superfine sugar s simply granulated sugar that’s been ground more finely. It’s often called for in recipes where a faster dissolving granule is needed.

This ingredient can be purchased at your local grocery store over by the other sugar options.

Don’t want to buy superfine sugar for one recipe?

Yeah, me either!

How Can I Make My Own Superfine Sugar?

Instead of purchasing a specialty sugar, process one cup of your granulated sugar in a food processor or blender.

Once the sugar is to a fine consistency (approximately 30 seconds), you can measure out 3/4 cup for your recipe.

Easy enough!

You know me, I chose the cheaper option for this recipe and put my blender to work.

Trick #2: The “Reverse Mixing Method

The second step to their perfect cookie was a “reverse” mixing method.

In traditional recipes, we would cream the room temperature butter and sugar together. They took a reverse mixing method approach instead.

With this method, you mix together all of the dry ingredients first and then add butter tablespoon by tablespoon.

The dough mixture is finished with cream cheese, another unusual addition to a cut-out sugar cookie recipe. This ingredient really pulls everything together and makes the dough workable. Once it has pulled together, finish with a little vanilla extract for flavor!

The dough looked like this. It looked crumbly and not very wet. You were instructed to pull the dough together with your hands and form it into a ball. I wasn’t too sure how this was going to work out. It just did not seem sticky enough to me.

The dough looked like this. It looked crumbly and not very wet.

You were instructed to pull the dough together with your hands and form it into a ball.

I wasn’t too sure how this was going to work out. It just did not seem sticky enough to me.

After a couple of minutes of kneading, this is what my dough looked like. I don’t think my dough has ever looked this good.

Trick #3: Chill Your Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Dough

Have you ever had a sugar cookie that looks misshapen?

Chances are that the cook didn’t chill the dough. This look step helps these cut-out cookies to turn out great.

Divide the dough and place them in your refrigerator to chill. It is recommended to flatten them into two 4″ disks, and leave them there for 20-30 minutes.

While the dough is chilling, you can tidy up the kitchen and then get everything else ready to go.

Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper and lay out your cookie cutters.

Next, tear off two additional sheets of parchment paper per dough disk to roll out your cookie dough.

That’s right, no floured counters which will save on clean-up time!

Tip #4: Roll Your Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Dough Between Two Sheets of Parchment Paper

Put your disk between the parchment paper and roll the dough out.

I secured one set of corners between me and the counter to hold the paper in place.

Tip #5: After You Roll Out Your Sugar Cookie Dough, chill it AGAIN!

Now pop the dough back in the refrigerator for ten more minutes or until the dough is firm for cutting.

I know waiting for the dough to chill again feels like a waste of time.

Trust me, you will be glad you did it.

This will yield a cookie with sharp edges and that hold their shape.

I promise that this will be worth the wait.

At this point, I was already patting myself on the back.

Aren’t you glad you weren’t in the kitchen with me for this annoying moment?

The cookies cut out beautifully and were firm enough that I could easily transfer them over to the parchment paper.

How crazy that we won’t be losing snowman feet and arms or the poor wings off of our bird cookies!

I bet you are glad you never saw my past cookies (*ahem*)!

Put your cookie sheets in the oven and watch them through the glass.

Be sure to continue, annoyingly, patting yourself on the back.

Tip #6: Rotate Your Cookie Sheets For Even Heating

Instead of letting one rack stay doughy and one rack get burnt, they have you rotate the cookie sheets halfway through.

What a novel idea!

These are my cookies after baking!

I KNOW!

Keep in mind, these cookies remain a pale color so don’t worry that they haven’t cooked long enough. Ten minutes is just the amount of time you need for these cookies to

They didn’t look done to me, but they were so don’t overcook them.

I had one batch that got out in the nick of time after I added two minutes to the cooking time.

They will harden up for you without any additional cooking.

Tip #7: Ice Your Cookies With America’s Test Kitchen Royal Icing (OR NOT)

They recommend decorating with a royal icing glaze.

I am not a fan of how those royal icing recipes turn out.

I stick to a traditional frosting recipe that requires a little more time to harden, but has a thicker tasting frosting.

What If I Want the America’s Test Kitchen Royal Icing Recipe?

Blend together 2 cups (8 ounces) confectioners’ sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 ounce cream cheese, softened, and food coloring to make the America’s Test Kitchen Glaze.

Since our cookie sheets were lined with parchment paper, I reused these sheets for decorating.

This caught any runaway sprinkles or the sprinkle dumping that seems to occur every year (see above for examples).

The cookies looked good, but the real question is did they taste good? I asked our very official taste-testing and decorating crew to give me their honest opinions.

Sometimes a picture is all you need! They were perfect, not crumbly, sturdy, but not thick, tangy, but buttery. Basically, perfection!

The cookies looked good, but the real question is did they taste good? I asked our very official taste-testing and decorating crew to give me their honest opinions.

Sometimes a picture is all you need! They were perfect, not crumbly, sturdy, but not thick, tangy, but buttery. Basically, perfection!

The Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Recipe Type: Desserts

Author: Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

Prep time: 1 hour

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 1 hour 10 mins

Serves: approximately 3 dozen

Do you know the hidden secrets to the perfect cut-out sugar cookies? Put your stand mixer to work and blend up this incredible sugar cookie dough. You will learn how to make rolling and cutting sugar cookies easier. These tricks yield cookies that stay soft- bookmark this perfect cut-out cookie recipe today!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup superfine sugar (purchased or diy this flour with my instructions above)
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2″ pieces & softened
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Rolling pin, cookie cutters, and sprinkles
Sugar Cookie Frosting:
1/2 cup shortening
4 cups confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
5 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring

Instructions

Whisk the flour, sugar, & salt together in a large bowl.
Beat the butter pieces (into the flour mixture) one piece at a time. I suggest using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, and beating until the mixture looks crumbly and slightly wet. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Beat in the cream cheese & vanilla until he dough just begins to form large clumps, about thirty seconds.
Knead the dough in the large bowl by hand a few times until it forms a large, cohesive mass.
Turn the dough out onto a clean counter, divide it in half, and apt into a two four inch disks.
Wrap the disks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until they begin to firm up, 20 to 30 minutes.
Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 375.
Work with one disk at a time, roll out the dough to a 1/8″ thickness between two sheets of parchment paper.
Slide the rolled dough and parchment onto a baking sheet & refrigerate again until firm.
Working with one sheet of cookie dough at a time, cut out shapes using your cookie cutters.
Next, lay them on two parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced about 1″ apart.
Bake the cookies until light golden brown, about ten minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Be sure to allow them to cool completely (approximately 30 minutes)
When cooled, the cookies can be decorated as desired.
For frosting: In a large bowl, cream together confectioners sugar and shortening until smooth.
Gradually mix in milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about five minutes.
Color with food coloring if desired.

I would highly recommend adding this cookbook to your holiday wish list. That same recipe can be adapted for many different types of cookies! It has definitely earned its keep on my bookshelf.

Do you have a favorite holiday cookie recipe? Please share your recipes or links here!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This post contains affiliate links.

Love this post? Here are a few other baking tutorials that might help you in the kitchen!

easy gluten-free homemade pumpkin bread

gluten-free cake mix sugar cookies (great for freezing!)

mini cannoli bites (pair with the Annie film for a fun family night idea!)

3-ingredient star cakes

chocolate chiffon cake with peppermint frosting

Happy baking!

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Tags: Holidays, How to Get Crisp Cut-Out Cookies, Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies, Recipes, Tips for Better Cut Out Cookies
Posted in Desserts, Holidays, Kids Crafts | 29 Comments »

Unique Gifts For the Man Who Has Everything

Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

You don’t need a lot of cash to snag these unique gifts for men. These gift ideas start at just $25 and I can guarantee that there is something for every man on your gift list. Use this list of our favorites when shopping for a man in your life.

I look forward to sharing a MomAdvice Gift Guide with you every holiday season. This year, I am dividing our gift guides into sections (men, women, kids, and more!) AND into budgets so that you can find the perfect gift for a special guy in your life.

I am SO excited to share these unique gifts with you and can’t wait to hear what you think of today’s selections.

Just as a reminder, if you are on a budget, I DO recommend that you sign up with Rakuten to do your shopping. This service will give you cash back on all your qualifying purchases.

If you want to read more about this shopping app, head here for an in-depth review of what Rakuten offers.

If you just want $25 and plan to get shopping, this should automatically deposit $25 in your account for your purchases(sorry- new customers only!).

Am I the only one that struggles to buy gifts for the men in my life? Today’s gift ideas for men are for your shopping…butttt for me too.

I had so much fun putting together the coolest gifts for the men in your life. Just as a reminder, MomAdvice participate in various affiliate marketing programs and anything purchased through our links (to retailer sites), will give us a small commision. This money is used to offset our site expenses and we are very grateful!

Are you ready to discovers some unique AND personal gifts for a man in your life?

Here are my gift suggestions for the man who has EVERYTHING!

NOTE: You can click on the images to head directly to the source! Happy shopping!

Unique Gift Ideas for Men Under $25

birthstone guitar picks

Chillsner

RFID Card Case (my father-in-law loves this!)

Magnetic Wristband

Beanie With Built in Bluetooth Speakers

25 Outlaws Game (great if they love poker)

The Cut Buddy Tool

Marathon Pint Glasses

Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask

Wooden Headphone Stand

The Right Tool

Hands-Free Task Light

Survival Kit

Brisket & Meat Trimmer

Wireless Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Scanner

Bedside Essentials Pocket

Insulated Freezable Pint Mugs

Mind Your Business Workbook

Personalized Golf Ball Markers

Razor Set

5-in-1 Fire Starter Kit

Ping Pong Grandmaster T-Shirt

Rechargeable Headlamp

Anker Wireless Charger

Bike Repair Kit

Best Winter Work Gloves

Automotive Cup Holder Organizer

Laptop Cooling Pad

Recursion by Blake Crouch (a favorite of my hubby’s)

I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening (another fave of his!)

Warm Socks

Keysmart Compact Key Holder

Have a little more to spend? Here are my unique gifts for the man who has everything under $30!!

Shiatsu Massager (one of my personal faves!)

Freedom of Speech Game

Gaming Mouse

Waterproof Laptop Backpack

eTape Electronic Tape Measure

Thompson Tees (these really work!)

Laptop Notebook Stand

50 States Travel Journal

Beard Bib

Tie Bar

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook (I gave away SO many of these this year- big hit!)

Esky Key Finder

Wireless Wi-Fi Range Extender

NPR Nerd Shirt

Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker

Drill Brush For Car

Looking for some creative gift ideas for men that are under $50? I have a feeling you will love this gathering!

the office clue game

stay cool joggers (these are my husband’s favorite)

Desktop Charging Station

Echo Dot Clock

Pocket Projector

Dynamic Fleece Joggers (several colors)

Runner’s Light Gloves (these were a big winner with my hubby)

Vinyl Record Dividers

Philips Norelco OneBlade

10-in-1 Pillow (I can’t rave enough about this)

Heated Ice Scraper

Sherpa Henley

Blue Snowball Microphone

book of the month club gift certificate (starting at 3 months- this is my favorite thing every dang month!)

Hey, big spender! Just kidding! If you are anything like my family, we prefer to buy one REALLY awesome gift instead of many smaller gifts. I hope you love these smart gift choices!

23 and Me Kit (my kids are begging to do this and have a results reveal party on NYE)

UGG Ascot Lined Slippers (my husband loves his! already have a pair? get a pair of insoles for his stocking!)

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Auto Detailing Handheld Steamer

Heated Steering Wheel

Wood Watch

Weekender Duffle Bag

Rainfoil Packable Jacket

Stitch Fix For Men (the cost depends on what you keep, but the styling fee is waived if you buy one item!! my husband LOVED this)

Wi-Fi Bookshelf Speaker

kindle paperwhite (linking to all the options, depending on your budget! I would also suggest checking here!!)

Would you rather DIY a unique gift? Here are a few posts that can help you make an incredible gift!

mix up some grill seasoning mixes

make a jigsaw puzzle mat and pair it with a good puzzle (we LOVED this one and this one this year)

9 unique gift ideas if your spouse has chronic pain

find out what their favorite childhood books were and give them as gifts (this was such a HUGE hit!)

PHEW! I hope that this inspires your gift-giving this year! Let me know if you got anything and what you thought!

Honest truth: I am always thankful to be a part of ANYONE’S holiday!

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This post contains affiliate links from RewardStyle. Thank you for supporting our website through your purchases.

Tags: Gifts For Men Under $100, Gifts for Men Under $25, Gifts For Men Under $50, Unique Gift Ideas for Men
Posted in Celebrations, Gifts, Holidays | No Comments »

How to Make a Yarn Pom-Pom Wreath

Tuesday, October 29th, 2019

I know everyone is very different about their decorating.

In my house, I try to only decorate with items that I have handmade for the holidays and that really mean something to our family.

Our home doesn’t have a lot of storage so I have to be selective about what we carry over from year to year.

In a nod to my yarn and knitting habit, this year the house is decorated in pom-poms for the season.

I created this easy yarn pom-pom & ornament garland and I got out my yarn pom-pom trees that I had created, to decorate a shelf in our kitchen.

Other than that, we keep it fairly simple with fresh greenery that doesn’t take up valuable storage.

Each year I dedicate my Black Friday to one craft that I have always wanted to try.

When I first started knitting it was all about finding projects out of my comfort zone.

This year though, I decided to tackle a crafting to-do that I have wanted to do for many, many years…it is a pom-pom wreath for our front door.

Just as my autumn burlap wreath carried me through from Halloween to Thanksgiving, this pom-pom wreath in cream has all of the magic of the holiday season, but can be carried over into the spring months due to its neutral tones.

This craft can’t be whipped up quick, but the reward is great.

In fact, I smiled today as I pulled up to my front door.

Just seeing it and knowing the labor of love that went into creating it makes my heart truly happy.

If you are a maker, you know the joy that comes with the completion of a craft project you have always wanted to do and then have done it well. It’s unlike any other feeling.

I also ADORE when you share your pictures of crafts that you have done from our site.

If you are looking for a little color on your door, check out this INCREDIBLE wreath that Christy made.

I mean, how gorgeous is that??

Thank you, Christy, for letting me share your beautiful wreath with my readers.

How to Make a Yarn Pom-Pom Wreath

Supplies Needed (don’t forget to use your Rakuten app to get money back on your craft purchases!):

1- 18″ straw wreath (leave it wrapped in the plastic)

5-6 skeins of Lion Brand Hometown USA Los Angeles Tan Yarn (you can also check for price comparisons HERE)

Pins

Large Clover Pom-Pom Maker (we are using the blue one)- be sure to check here for a price comparison

Scissors

wreath door hanger

Directions

How to Use a Pom-Pom Maker

How to Use a Pom-Pom Maker1. Following the pictures above, create your pom-poms using your Clover Pom-Pom Maker.

You can create these and pin as you go to see how many you end up needing for your wreath.

2. After you make your pom-poms (which will take one million years- don’t say I did not warn you), you can begin pinning them on your wreath form.

Make sure that you leave your straw wreath in the plastic.

Using pins, pin your pom-poms with two to three pins each and then fluff them.

You will want to start adding a pom-pom in the center, then on one side, then on the other side.

Continue stacking them this way, next to each other, making sure that the form is covered.

No need to make these extremely tight so you can make sure that your pom-poms really fluff up and stand to attention.

3. Continue adding pom-poms, pinning, and fluffing until your entire wreath is covered.

Once you hang your wreath, pull on pom-poms to see if everything is secure and add any pins as needed.

I hope this wreath makes you as happy as it has made me.

I couldn’t be happier to have tackled this project over my Black Friday weekend and I hope it can brighten a corner in your home too!

this post contains affiliate links

Love this tutorial? Here are a few more of my favorites on the site!

yarn pom-pom & ornament garland

how to knit a chunky knit hygge blanket with fur pom poms

yarn pom-pom flower bouquets

yarn pom-pom trees

autumn burlap wreath

easy burlap wreath

diy apple fall wreath

fabric flower wreath

fabric scrap wreath & fabric scrap garland

how to paint laminate wood

tour all the winter crafts in my holiday home

What fun crafts do you do with yarn pom-poms? Let me know in the links below!

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Tags: Anthro Knock Off Pom Pom Wreath, Anthropologie Pom Pom Wreath Tutorial, How to Make a Yarn Pom Pom Wreath, How to Make Yarn Pom Poms, Pom Pom Wreath Tutorial
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How to Enjoy Autumn to the Fullest

Monday, October 28th, 2019

From our marriage & parenting contributor, Mary Carver.

Every year, as I sprint (or limp, depending on the year) toward Labor Day and long for routine and cooler temperatures and colorful leaves and pumpkin spiced everything, I vow that this will be the year I really enjoy fall.

Summer is, quite simply, not my favorite season — but my reward for surviving it each year is autumn.

So you’d think I would enjoy it, right?

Ahhhhh, autumn.

Brisk air and comfy sweaters and crunchy leaves and hot drinks and apple picking and pumpkin carving.

Autumn, the season of change and preparation as we gently roll toward the holidays and a colder, more hectic time of life.

Right?

It sounds so romantic, doesn’t it?

[Speaking of romantic, don’t forget to date your husband this fall…]

But the reality of September and October and [hold me] November is that this season is just as crazy chaotic as every other one.

During these fall months, we have practices and games and rehearsals and concerts to add to the calendar, not to mention dentist appointments and counseling sessions and family dinners and book club and Bible study and craft projects.

(Seriously. Is there another non-Christmas season with SO MANY craft projects?!)

In my family we have a birthday on top of all of the “usual” stuff this time of year brings, and more often than not, as we dive bomb into the holidays I realize that I missed it.

I missed my favorite season, the best season of all (in my unbiased opinion!).

I missed autumn.

Again.

Well, not this year!

I’m determined to enjoy every bit of fall this year, and I want to encourage you to do the same.

I have a few ideas for making this happen, and I’m happy to share them with you.

Just in case you have missed an autumn or two, but long to truly enjoy this beautiful season.

Two Ways to Enjoy Autumn

1. Pick three things.

We all know the temptation of bucket lists, and heaven knows I’ve made my share.

But this fall, instead of adding every fall-type activity to your to-do list (not to mention printing it out and putting it on the fridge), why not keep it simple?

We’ve already discussed how busy regular life is before we begin adding field trips to the apple orchard or the corn maze.

So just pick three things.

Pick one special autumn food to make (my all-time favorite is this DELICIOUS pumpkin bread), pick one craft to make (I’ve already bought the supplies to make this wreath from Amy), and pick one trip to take (and if it just happens to be the church fall festival, THAT’S STILL GOOD AND FUN AND ENOUGH!).

Pick three things – a food, a craft, and a trip.

And then?

Use all that extra time you’ll have (hahaha!) to simply walk outside and breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the fall foliage.

Or do a fun fall activity.

Or watch a football game.

Or let your kids buy pumpkins on your next run to the grocery store.

(Believe me, they are still festive when they come from the grocery store and not the pumpkin patch.)

2. Count your days.

Time flies when we’re busy or when we’re looking forward to big events, and the days of fall are full of both those things for me.

So this year I’m going to make sure I am intentionally taking note of each individual day.

I mean, probably not EACH and EVERY day.

Let’s be realistic and accept that even every other day is still better than letting an entire season pass in a blur or parties and costumes and crafts and meetings!

A few ways you might make your days count this autumn are with a daily photo challenge, reading a seasonal quote or a scripture each day, or keeping a gratitude journal.

Or, if you’re feeling really ambitious (or unable to make a choice…something I am quite familiar with!), you could do one of those each month of the season.

Start reading a Bible verse each day this month, then take a photo challenge next month, and finish up with a daily gratitude exercise in November.

However you do it (and, really, keep it as simple as you need to), just do something to intentionally appreciate your days.

When it comes to enjoying every season, I sometimes struggle between committing to carpe-ing the diem out of life and remembering that, more than likely, there will be another opportunity to carve pumpkins if we don’t do it this week, this month, this fall.

But this year, I’m determined to let all of that struggling and striving and regretting go.

I am going to LIVE and LOVE and ENJOY this autumn. Will you join me?

Some other ideas to make the most of your fall: