Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

If you are looking for an inexpensive gift to give this season, this is a recipe we have had around for years, it's another one from our Aunt Joanne. It's always a great gift for those on your list that you don't know what to buy. I have tried several recipes for hot chocolate mixes but this one is a favorite. It makes a cute gift in a jar or even a single serving given in a cute bag. I found these little glass spice jars at our Bed Bath and Beyond Store, they came in a pack of 4 for under $5. Give it with a bag of our Simply Homemade Marshmallows to make it even more special!

What you need:
This will make about 2 quart jars of powder, enough for several servings (or gifts!)

• 10 cups of powdered milk
• 6 oz container of powdered coffee creamer, I used the store brand french vanilla
• 1 lb. container of Nestle or Hershey Cocoa Powder
• 1-2 cups powdered sugar

Pour all ingredients into a large bowl and mix together. Then put into separate containers or jars for gifts.

To make the hot cocoa: use 1/4 cup of mix to 8 oz of hot water or milk. Remember to put the instructions on the gift!
You might want to make a cup for yourself  to enjoy before you give it away!

~Simply Angie

Make Your Own Beautiful Bows

Bow complete!

An inexpensive way to decorate for any holiday or gifts is to make your own bows. There are different methods for this project but this is my favorite, because it's easy! My 9 year old granddaughter helps me make these bows!

Here We Go!

• You will need about 3 yards of ribbon for each bow. I use the wire-edged ribbon, it's easier to work with. You can choose any width but it's fun to use different sizes then your bows will be different sizes. I always buy my ribbon on sale and the large 90 feet rolls are a great value. You can find them at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, the cost is then $5.00 a roll. You can make about 10 bows from one roll.
• Start by measuring 3 yards of ribbon and cut your ribbon off the roll.
• Roll the ribbon (loosely) into a circle. The first end of the ribbon can be stapled or taped to the ribbon next to it so it will stay in place. Keep wrapping until your 3 yards of ribbon is in a circle. I like to roll mine in a 5 or 6 inch circle, but you can choose the size you want.
• Once your ribbon is in a circle, flatten it with your hands and fold it in half.
• Cut a small triangle of ribbon off the folded end of the ribbon, toward the middle. You will do the same to other side. At the bottom of the folded ribbon, it will sort of look like the letter "v".
• There are 2 ways to do the next step, in the middle of the flattened ribbon, gently separate the 2 pieces and place a either a pipe cleaner or another piece of ribbon (about 12 inches long). This will be the middle of the two sides. Then tie this ribbon piece rather tightly or twist the pipe cleaner. I used ribbon for my bow.
• You are now ready to start pulling the ribbon apart. I usually start with the pieces on the inside and work my way out. Gently grab a piece of the ribbon and pull it out and twist. Do this until all of the ribbon pieces are pulled out, then do the same thing on the other side. 
• When all of the pieces are pulled out and twisted, put the finishing touches on your bow. This is when you will appreciate the wire-edged ribbon because you can reshape your bow to perfection!

I hope the steps in the pictures will help you make your beautiful bows. Good luck and happy bow making!

I used 2 inch wire-edged ribbon for this bow

measure 3 yards - roll it in a circle

staple the first edge of the ribbon to the piece next to it

after your circle, flatten your ribbon circle

fold the ribbon circle in half

cut the corners off the folded end

gently separate the folded ribbon and tie another piece of ribbon in the middle

start pulling each piece of folded ribbon out, then twist

I used bows to decorate my Christmas tree

 Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Our Not Too Shabby Christmas Tree

I had so much fun decorating my upstairs Christmas tree this year! I decided to make some light pink and white bows and used some pearl strands and a few ornaments. My inspiration started with the Shabby Chic Christmas Tree Skirt then I decided to keep the pink and white theme. So with a few rummage sale items and $20 for some crystal-like hanging ornaments, I put everything together that I loved and it was a happy ending for my decorating day! You know our number 1 decoarting rule by now...always use what you already have first, then shop if you must. It's a great way to save money and decorate with your favorite things. Happy decorating all!

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi

Homemade Creme Fraiche (or fancy sour cream)

This recipe is so easy I almost feel guilty writing a post about it...almost!  Just in case you haven't tried it yet, I think it's time to give it a whirl! Creme Fraiche is similar in taste to sour cream but heightened to a new level! The good news is that you can't mess it up! 😀

Only 2 ingredients:
        One pint of heavy cream
        3 Tablespoons of buttermilk

I poured mine in a Ball jar then stirred it to combine. Then let it sit on the counter, uncovered overnight or up to 24 hours. It needs to be uncovered so the good bacteria from the buttermilk gets air to do it's thing. The longer it sits the more tangy it will be.

After 24 hours, cover it and put in the refrigerator, it should be almost the consistency of sour cream. It will thicken more when chilled. You can use it in soups, desserts, or with fresh fruit. You can stir it into fresh whipped cream or use it as you would sour cream or whipped cream. If you like it sweeter you can add a little powdered sugar. It will last a week in the fridge. I have seen some recipes say it can last up to 3 weeks. I try to use mine up within a week to 10 days. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

~Simply Angie