Disney's Family Fun Magazine for only $3.50

For 24 hours only (ending Thursday at 9:59 PM EST) you can get Disney's Family Fun Magazine for only $3.50. Use coupon code FUN when you check out. This would make a great Christmas gift for any parent. The crafts and ideas in this magazine are really cute and fun. You can order here.

Bubble Bath Soda

Here is a fun gift for any mom this Mother's Day.  Everything you need to put this together is available at the Dollar Tree. Your kids will have so much fun making this.

Materials:
Bath salt, bath oils, or bubblebath
Glass- beer mug, wine glass, parfait cup
Wash cloth, bath poof
Straw
paper umbrella
Directions:
Fill a tall glass or beer mug with loose bath beads on the bottom.Add a similarly colored nylon bath poof or washcloth and top with a straw and umbrella.


Thanks Mommy on a Shoestring

Scented Pine Cones

Scented pinecones can fill your home with wonderful holiday smells and make great gifts for kids to make for teachers, neighbors, grandparents, troop leaders, coaches, or aunts.  Below are two easy methods anyone can do.
Method One:
Gather a variety of pinecones. Rinse under running water and lay on a old cookies sheet and bake at 200 F until the pinecones open up (kids will like to see the change).  This will help kill the bugs and melt the sap. Lay dried pincones on newspaper. Using a foam brush coat pinecone with glue. Mix cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg together and sprinkle on pinecones. Allow to dry overnight.

Method Two:
Gather a variety of pinecones. Rinse under running water and lay on a old cookies sheet and bake at 200 F until the pinecones open up (kids will like to see the change).  This will help kill the bugs and melt the sap. Pour cinnamon, clove or Christmas blend essential oil into a spray bottle with a little water and spray cones until they are damp. Place scented pinecones in a plastic bag and seal for 24 hours.

Place in basket with greenery and berries or wrap in netting or mesh and tie with a pretty bow. 


Picture from Allfreecrafts

Peppermint Marshmallows

This homemade treat is a sweet gift that is delicious in hot chocolate or straight from the bag.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: red food coloring
 
Directions:
Into a small bowl, sift together the confectioners sugar and the cornstarch; line a 13X9 inch baking pan with non stick foil and spray foil with non stick cooking spray; sift 2 tablespoons of the sugar/cornstarch mixture into the pan, tilting to coat the pan; set the rest of the mixture aside for later. Then, place 2/3 cup water in a large bowl; sprinkle with gelatin; let soften for five minutes. 

In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, candy pieces and salt over medium heat until sugar and candy pieces are dissolved, stirring occasionally; slowly mix into bowl with gelatin.  Beat gelatin/sugar mixture on high speed with electric beater until light and fluffy, about 15 minutes (a freestanding mixer comes in handy). Spread into prepared pan and smooth top.

Optional:  Working quickly, drop dots of red food coloring across surface of marshmallow. Using a toothpick, swirl food coloring into marshmallow to create a marbleized effect.

Dust with 2 tablespoons of the reserved sugar/cornstarch mixture and let set at room temperature for  3 hours.

Lift marshmallow block from pan using foil; with a wet knife, cut into six squares.

Spread remaining sugar/cornstarch mixture onto a baking sheet; invert marshmallow blocks onto baking sheet and cut each square into 9 smaller squares.

Toss marshmallows in sugar/cornstarch mixture and set on a pan to set for an additional hour; store loosely covered at room temperature.

 Package them in clear cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon and give them along with a jar of hot chocolate mix and mug. 

Alternative: Cut with small cookie cutters dipped in water and then coat sides with the sugar/cornstarch mixture. 

Picture from Martha Stewart

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

This is a snack mix designed just for Thanksgiving, with each little treat symbolizing a different aspect of the Thanksgiving holiday. When I came across this on The Kitchn blog I thought this would make a great gift to give your guest or hostess for Thanksgiving.
Note:  If I knew how to add an attachment to this post I would have attached a copy of the card. If you post a comment with your email I will send it you.