With that said, how about some hot chocolate, on a steek?

When I saw this project for hot chocolate on a stick, this above video was all I could think of.

Ok, so now onto this great project.  Over at Giver’s Log, AmberLee has published a lovely (and simple) project of making hot chocolate, just add hot milk and voila!  Hot Chocolate!

Wouldn’t this make a great teacher’s or Hostess Gift?  (If it ever makes it out of the house that is.)

Go check this chocolate-y goodness over at Giver’s Log and enjoy!

Giver’s Log – Hot Chocolate on a Stick

I found this over at Martha Stewart (yes, bow down to Martha and her amazing-ness) and just had to share.  The best thing is, you don’t have to use wine for this.  Apple cider also works if you are looking for those looking for something for the kids or just choose to not have an alcoholic drink.  With the end of apple season, I would recommend getting to your local farmers market before they close (if they haven’t already) and get some.  Grocery store cider is okay but there is something about the romance of buying it from someone who may (or may not) have helped in the production of the cider.  Think global, act local.

Back to the sachets.  These are easy to make and if you can find a great tin or box to package it in, it would make a lovely gift for anyone.  I’m thinking this might be a winner for my daughter’s 5th grade teacher (who is a man with 4 boys) and if I can find it in late December, a bottle of cider.

Martha Stewart – Mulling Sachets

I was looking for Weird Al’s “Yoda” but this will have to do.

Over at Dollar Store Crafts, Heather posted great directions on how to make a Yoda hat!  What wouldn’t be better for your favorite Star Wars fan (young or old) but a Yoda hat.  I might just have to make this for my brand new niece to make sure that she is brought up with the “right” kind of education.  We must make sure she is educated in the important things, Star Wars, Star Trek, StarGate SG-1 (catching on here) and Buckaroo Banzi.

Heather give directions on how to make an adult hat but with only a few measurements and scaling down, a child or infant’s hat could be made.

Heather at Dollar Store Crafts – Yoda Hat

Jo posts her take on V-day Kettel corn for the kiddies and it really seems simple.  It took a bit to track down  a place that sells a “wirlly pop” in the area since I really don’t want to have to wait for delivery (Target sells it online only) but alas, I did have to resort to mail order.  I can still remember the days of my parents making popcorn in my Mom’s old stainless steel pot and then the air popper.  The idea of going back to the stove top to make popcorn is refreshing and brings me back to childhood while taking the Microwave out of the equasion.  At least its better than movie theater popcorn, right?

Chica and Jo – Valentine Popcorn Treat

I first want to say that the folks over at Cut out and Keep totally ROCK!  They have projects and pics that could keep me busy for days with the talented members there.  I highly recommend signing up there (don’t worry, its fabulously free to do so – and they have a monthly web mag to feast on too!!!!  <3 you guys at Cut out and Keep).

That being said, have you ever needed a gift for someone but had no idea what to give.  If they entertain friends/family or value their wood furniture, this is the project for them.  Shrimp Salad Circus has posted a tutorial on how to make coasters that are also chalk boards.  Forget the wine charms.  Give everyone a coaster and have a cup of chalk and you not only keep friends from mixing up their drinks but protect your furniture too!

All you really need is some cork coasters, chalkboard paint and some accent acrylic paint to make it fun.  Oh yeah, and some real chalk.  I’m thinking hostess gifts, Christmas Prezzies, all with this brilliant idea!
Thank you Shrimp Salad Circus and Cut Out and Keep!

Cut Out and Keep + Shrimp Salad Circus – Cork Chalkboard Coasters

COAK/Shrimp Salad Circus – Chalkboard Coasters

I love this idea of repurposing soda bottles and their holder into a cute gift.  This would work for either male or female teachers, it just depends on the paper and ribbon used.  I found this at Nap Time Journal and it really seems easy to complete.

She uses cream soda bottles since they are clear and you can see the goodies inside them and it is very important to clean the bottles very well.  Nap Time Journal also reuses the bottle caps to cap it.  I may not do that because 1) I always mangle the bottle caps when I open them and 2) I happen to have a bottle capper just “lying around” and hundreds of unused bottle caps.

Such a fun idea!

Nap Time Journal - Soda Bottle Treats

We have several of those heating pads you put in the microwave and we use them often during the winter.  The idea of putting a small, felt bean bag (or rice bag) into a glove is pure genius!!!!  I don’t live where it gets crazy cold during the winter (that’s my brother in Montana and my cousin is Alaska) but its still darn cold when starting the car.

I’m going to make a few of these for my daughter, sons, mother, husband and myself and anyone else I can think of.  This would have been a rockin’ Christmas gift!  Oh well, at least I have a friend that has a birthday in two weeks!

It’s two whole steps and takes less time than it does to wrap a shirt box.  After wrapping the bottle up and making the cute pompom on top, you can decorate it with stickers or stamps if you have plain paper or choose some really pretty tissue as the outer layer.

Marth Stewart – Bottle Wrap