The Blu Print: October 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 7

Welcome to our 3rd Annual

Countdown to Christmas

2014

get the InLinkz code

If anyone would like to join us on the Handmade Community Facebook page, please follow this link. I took the group over from Nikki about a month and a half ago (or so), and it is dedicated to handmade only. We are over 200 strong and working on networking. https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadecommunity/

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

12 Days of Baking–Countdown to Christmas 2014

Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies

Rich eggnog and spicy chai make the perfect pairing for this cookie. Use a little eggnog, powdered sugar, and nutmeg to make a simple glaze.

1 chai tea bag
1 (17.5-oz.) package sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup melted butter
1 large egg
4 tablespoons eggnog, divided
Parchment paper
Cinnamon sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Remove tea leaves from tea bag; discard bag.
2. Stir together tea leaves, cookie mix, butter, egg, and 2 Tbsp. eggnog until well blended.
3. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Flatten dough slightly with bottom of a glass dipped in cinnamon sugar.
4. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from baking sheet to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 10 minutes).
5. Whisk together powdered sugar, nutmeg, and remaining 2 Tbsp. eggnog until smooth. Spoon over cooled cookies.
Made with black Chai tea.

Sound good? You may also just love these holiday goodies.
TreasuresofJewels

Charm Locket Handmade Necklace with Purple and Gold Pearls.Black Umbrella,Key, and High Heel Boot Charm Necklace for Her

craftingmemories

Spiral Rope Stitch Bracelet Black and Gold Beads

specialtivity

Black crystal and fresh water pearl dangle earrings

RSSDesignsInFiber

Soft and Warm Headband for Warm Ears - Black MultiColor - Hand-Crochet

bluemorningexpressions

Black and White Bracelet with Handmade Dot Beads Swarovski Crystals

PrettyGonzo

White and Black Earrings Swarovski Pearls Czech Glass Handmade Jewelry

SewAmazin SewAmazin

Black and White Owl Zipper Case for small tablets, kindle, iPad mini

Black and White Owl Zipper Case, Large for small tablet device

adorebynat

Magic Birthday Party Favor Tags with Magician Boy and Bunny in the Hat

ScreamingSardine

Vintage Digital Download Photo, Beautiful Woman

TheTwistedRedhead

Handmade Black Napkin Rings and Drink Coasters for Cat Lovers

Covergirlbeads

Black Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads Shiny Glossy Spacers SRA 064g

http://www.postcardsintheattic.com/

Antique Photograph Postcard Street Scene Barcelona

dianesdangles

Teardrop Black Obsidian Gemstone and Silver Necklace

KevsKrafts

Cat Or Kitten Wood Wall Art Decor Handmade From Oak Wood Framed In Black Laquer 10 x 13 Fame With 8 X 10 Matt

KatsAllThat

Bone Skulls and Black Agate Halloween Unisex Bracelet or Necklace

Wyverndesigns

Toddler Little Penguin Reversible Fleece Ear Flap Hat Black and White

ShadowDogDesigns

Black Onyx Handmade Necklace Diagonal Cubes Sterling Gemstone Jewelry

jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Hand Knit Wrap Lace Shawl Shrug Black White Raglan Buttoned Arrowhead

Black White Raglan Buttoned Hand Knit Wrap Arrowhead Lace Shawl Shrug

lindab142

Black Swarovski Crystal Necklace

Umeboshi Jewelry Designs

Bits and Pieces Dichroic Handmade Fused Glass Cabochon Pendant - Multicolored

There are many other gift ideas in our Countdown to Christmas series, so check out these other goodies:
Week 1

Week 2

Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
More recipes and goodies:
Fruitcake cookies
Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Cookies
Apple Cider Caramel Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
Enjoy,

Friday, October 24, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 6

Welcome to our 3rd Annual

Countdown to Christmas

2014

An InLinkz Link-up

get the InLinkz code < Get your blog hop code here

If anyone would like to join us on the Handmade Community Facebook page, please follow this link. I took the group over from Nikki about a month and a half ago (or so), and it is dedicated to handmade only. We are over 200 strong and working on networking. https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadecommunity/

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

12 Days of Baking–Countdown to Christmas 2014

Snowflake Cookies Recipe

2 cups butter, softened
1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cake flour
2 tablespoons edible glitter
In a large bowl, cream butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour and mix well. Divide in half. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 4-in. snowflake-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 300° for 8-10 minutes or until firm. Repeat with remaining dough. Chill and reroll scraps if desired.
In a small re-sealable plastic bag, combine edible glitter and remaining sugar. Seal bag; crush mixture to break glitter into smaller pieces. Sprinkle over warm cookies. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 4 dozen

It won’t be long before the snowflakes start falling, so in honor of those bright, sunny, glittery days, here are some of gift ideas that will shine brightly.