KNEELING SANTA - A SWEET SWEET GIFT

I am unapologetic about my love for all things Christmas whether it be religious or secular.  But, like many people I find it very easy to get caught up in the commercial aspect of the season.  This precious little figurine of Santa humbly bowing before Baby Jesus is a gentle reminder for me of the true meaning of Christmas when it starts getting too hectic. 

This precious 4" figurine makes a sweet gift for yourself and/or someone on your list.  If you are interested in reading more about it or purchasing it, please click below...

Fontanini Santa Kneeling with Christ Child Figurine

                                                              ~ Debbie ~

Want more gift ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

FEARLESS - A GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HEROIC MILITARY STORIES

My husband was so moved by Adam Brown's heroic story that he talked at length about its encouraging message played out through Brown's life and death.  It is a posthumous biography,  well-written by Eric Blehm who chronicles Brown's life from his small town humble beginnings to the elite of the elite top tier of the U.S. military.  Unvarnished it is a portrait of a man strong enough to overcome personal defeats, and in turn, becoming an inspiration to us all.  Filled with tragedy and triumph,  this book is a compelling story of redemption, courage and sacrifice.  As many lives as Brown touched during his life, I believe he is touching even more in his death through this book.

You can buy this book at any local bookstore but I use Amazon for convenience.  If you are interested in purchasing from Amazon please click below...

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

Want more gift ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees                                                                  Enjoy
                                                             ~ Debbie ~

TOP TEN GIFTS FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY

The gift ideas that I have included on this Top Ten list are favorites of my family that have withstood the test of time.  They are not the newest or hottest Christmas must-have's.  Instead they are items that continue to be well used year after year,  rather than forgotten or discarded.  I have ranked them in order by price, least expensive to most.  Many of these gifts can be found in local stores.  But for your shopping convenience, I have also added links including my favorite one-stop shop Amazon. 

                                                  TOP TEN FAVORITE GIFTS

1.  The Sweet Smell of Christmas (A Scratch & Sniff Children's Book) - $9

Nicknamed "Smelly Bear" by my children, this was and still is their favorite Christmas book. The story is timeless as Little Bear delights in the various smells of Christmas - apple pie, pine cone, candy cane, gingerbread boy cookie, hot chocolate and orange.  Eventually my children scratched off the sweet smells and one year, as adults, complained when they couldn't sniff them anymore. So the following Christmas, they each found a brand new Smelly Bear in their stocking.

I usually purchase my books through Amazon for convenience. But, I've bought this book at local book stores and got lucky once at Marshall's.  If you would like to purchase this book from Amazon please click below... 

The Sweet Smell of Christmas (Scented Storybook)

2.  Loaded Questions Board Game - $23

How well do you really know your family and friends?  My family has had more fun and belly laughs trying to find that out.  The goal of the game is to guess who said what in order to advance on the board.  You can play with as many players as you like and it really is the more the merrier.  The age recommendation is for teens to adult.  This version is not the Junior version nor the Adult version.

Most local toy stores should carry this game but for convenience can be bought online at Amazon. Please click below if you would like to purchase from Amazon...

Loaded Questions

3.  Snow Cone Machine - $25

                                                                 Unleaded

                                                                  Leaded

This was one of the most utilized presents I think I ever bought my daughter. When her friends would come over, they would spend hours having fun in the kitchen concocting different flavor snow cone combinations. The best part is it's not just for kids anymore in our house. Now that my daughter is grown and has a home of her own, I inherited it and we use it when entertaining to make Margaritas and Daiquiris. Same concept, just as much fun!

I have only found this through Amazon, but if you've found it elsewhere, please add a comment!  If you would like to purchase or read more about it, please click below...

Hawaiian Snow Cone Machine - Ice Shaver #S700

4.  Heated Car Seat Cushion - $30

This heated car seat cushion was one of the best presents I received this past Christmas as I get cold easily and do not have heated seats in my car.   It's extremely easy to install, plugging into the cigarette lighter and heating within seconds.  While you can buy several types, this one has a velour cover which is really soft and the way to go in my opinion.  This is a great gift for those on your list that have everything except a new luxury car with a seat heater!

I have found this at automotive stores (ex., AutoZone), but it can also be found online at Amazon.  The price changes online constantly depending on the season.  I have seen it as cheap as $16 (August) and as expensive as $40 (December).  If you would like to purchase or read more about it please click below...

Wagan IN9438 Black 12V Velour Heated Seat Cushion with Lumbar Support

5.  Commemorative Wallace Silver Ball - $35

Wallace makes an annual Silver Ball commemorating Christmas with the year imprinted on the ball.  My mother-in-law started a new tradition when she gave my sister-in-law a Silver Ball to commemorate the first year she was married.  I thought it was a wonderful idea and was looking forward to becoming a proud recipient the next year when I married her son. But, lo and behold, while there was a Silver Ball under the tree for my sister-in-law to commemorate her second year of wedded bliss, there was none for us to commemorate our first! Upon questioning my mother-in-law as to why, she looked blankly at us and replied, "I'm waiting a year to make sure you all 'take' "!!!!!  Each Christmas ever since, upon receiving our Silver Ball, we tease her asking if she thinks we have 'taken' yet?  Our daughter and son-in-law were married on New Year's Eve 2008.  I did not wait for their marriage to 'take'. Their first Silver Ball was sitting under the Christmas tree, days before they were married.

I have seen this Wallace Ball at Macy's in their fine china/silver department for about $50.   But, have found it cheaper online at Amazon for about $35+shipping.  Both stock it from October-December each year.
If you prefer to purchase online, please click link below...

Wallace 2012 Silver Plated Sleigh Bell Ornament, 42nd Edition

6.  Settlers of Catan Board Game - $50

This is another fun family board game for upper elementary school children to adults. The goal is to expand your territory to become the largest and most dominant as the island of Catan is settled.  It involves enough strategy and negotiation to challenge teens and adults, but some luck to keep it interesting and level the playing field for children. 

P.S. This one comes with an "addiction warning" as I have witnessed my son and son-in-law play up to 3 games in one day at the beach (and it wasn't even raining)!!

Most local toy stores should carry this game.  But, it you prefer to purchase online please click the logo below.  The original game (pictured above)  is for up to 4 players which my son quickly learned was not enough.   For up to 6 players you will need an Expansion Pack.  The link below is the game and the expansion pack bundled and sold together...

Settlers Of Catan 4th Edition Bundle

7.  Gumball Machine - $65

A picture is worth a thousand words!  Doesn't it just bring a smile to your face? We have a basement filled with nostalgia and this gumball machine fits right in and adds a little bit of a "WOW" factor as it  greets people with a sweet treat as they walk downstairs.  This replica looks so authentic you would think that it came right out of an ice cream parlor or drug store with one of those old-timey soda fountain counters!  All I can say is, "FUN, FUN, FUN"!

I actually bought my daughter the gumball machine (plus a refill pack of gumballs) pictured above at Kohl's a few years ago at Christmastime.  I have not seen them stocked recently there, but Amazon sells the same replica and  don't forget to buy a refill pack of gumballs!  Please click links below...

Great Northern 15-Inch Vintage Candy Gumball Machine and Bank with Stand, Everyone Loves Gumballs



Dubble Bubble Gumball Refill 53oz Jar

8.  Cornhole/Tailgate Toss - $100

This is a great outdoor game for all ages.  My 30 year old son brings this along on our family beach vacations.   While everyone enjoys it, I think my 90 year old  mother-in-law enjoys it more than anyone.  She teams up with my son and they defeat just about everyone they play against!

To play the game, the two boards are spaced 7-10 yards apart facing one another.  There are two teams consisting of 1-2 people each.  Each team stands by a board and the object is to throw the most bean bags into the hole of the opposite board.  

Pictured above is a Virginia Tech Tailgate Toss which was bought online.  Most colleges are represented as well as professional teams online.  You can also buy boards without logos on them.   There are so many varieties and prices that I have not included a link.  When researching look for a sturdy board with high reviews since it will receive a lot of wear and tear over the years. 

9.  People Magazine Subscription - $110

One summer at the beach, my mother-in-law was having so much fun reading People magazine that my son suggested we give her a subscription for Christmas.  I thought it was such a great idea that I added my mom's name as well to the gift order.  It was such a hit with both my mom and mother-in-law that I have continued to renew their subscriptions each Christmas since then.    And it is a gift that keeps on giving! Not only do they love receiving it each week.  But, my mother-in-law passes them on to my sister-in-law and my mom saves her copies and passes them on to my aunt.  Although I'm not sure who enjoys them the most in my aunt's household.  The last time we visited her my uncle's eyes lit up when he saw the magazines come through the door!

To subscribe please click Here.

10.  Margaritaville "Cordless" Margarita Maker - $299

                                                        Margaritaville Machine

                                                                Travel Bag     

Take the party with you with this 9V cordless margarita maker!  It is great for outdoor gatherings, tailgates and trips.  My son-in-law takes this on our family beach vacations as well as other outdoor activities such as tailgating.When he adds the Tailgate Toss which is #8 on this list, he becomes the most popular tailgater in the parking lot!

The most inexpensive website I can currently find to purchase the Margaritaville Maker is Frontgate.  To purchase or read more about it please click Here.

My son-in-law also has a Margaritaville travel bag for convenient carrying.  Frontgate does not carry the travel bag so I have included an Amazon link.  Click below if you would like to purchase or learn more about it...  

Margaritaville AD1200 Universal Travel Bag Fits DM0500, NBMGDM0900, DM1000 & DM2000 Series

Want more gift ideas?  Please click below...
 Pineapples & Palm Trees
                                                           Happy Shopping!
                                                                ~ Debbie ~                                                          

GLASS PAINTING - CREATIVE GIFT GIVING

                                     
Glass painting is a perfect way to personalize a gift.   Besides being a thoughtful gift to give, it is fun and inexpensive to make.  It could be something as simple as the receiver's name,  favorite sport, hobby or interest.    And it's not just a project for adults, older kids will have fun creating these gifts as well for family, friends and teachers.  So fire up that imagination and go wild!  

P.S. If you top it off with a homemade goody wrapped in festive cellophane,  even better! 

                                                         MATERIALS NEEDED

                                                  
                                                                     Plate
                                         Glass Paint (Michael's has a nice selection)
                                                                Paintbrush
                                                                    Paper
                                                                    Pencil
                                                             *Grease Pencil


*NOTE:  I had to buy my grease pencil through Amazon.  I could not find it locally.  I checked Michael's and Staples and neither carry grease pencils anymore.  I've included the Amazon link below if you would like to check it out... 

Dixon Phano China Marker Pencils, Black, 2 Pencils per Pack (30771)

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:  Unless you prefer to draw your design free hand on the back of plate, you can create a template with pencil and paper.  Cut paper to the size and shape of the plate you will be painting on.  Then draw your design on the paper.  I've included 2 designs (Holly & Santa) to give you a couple of different ideas.

                                                

STEP 2:  Place completed drawing underneath plate so that it clearly shows through when looking at front of plate. 

STEP 3:  Using grease pencil, trace template design onto front of plate. 

                                    I added additional holly leaves to corners of plate.

STEP 4:  When finished tracing, turn plate onto back side and paint design.

PLEASE NOTE:   Glass paint is not meant for surfaces that touch food or drink which is why the design is painted on the under side of the plate.  

STEP 5:  Once paint is dry, wash grease pencil marking off of front of plate.

                                                                  Enjoy
                                                              ~ Debbie ~

Want more creative ideas?  Please click below...

Pineapples & Palm Trees                                                                

SNOW CONE MACHINE - GREAT GIFT IDEA STRAIGHT FROM THE NORTH POLE

One of my favorite memories as a kid was the treat of an ice cold snow cone on a hot summer day.  Mixing several flavors together made it even more of an adventurous treat!  As it melted the sticky syrup would start running down my arm and my mother and I would race as to who would catch it first - my tongue or her dish rag.  But, snow cones are not just for summer anymore.  With the advent of the kitchen snow cone machine it can now make memories year round. 

This was one of the most utilized presents I think I ever bought my daughter.  When her friends would come over, they would spend hours having fun in the kitchen concocting different flavor combinations.  The best part is it's not just for kids anymore in our house.  Now that she is grown and has a home of her own, I inherited it and we use it when entertaining to make Margaritas and Daiquiris.  Same concept, just as much fun! 

I found this Snow Cone machine on Amazon.  If you would like to read more about it, please click below...

Hawaiian Snow Cone Machine - Ice Shaver #S700

Want more gift ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                                 ~ Debbie ~

SWEET GIFTS TO GIVE - CANDY SUNDAES

If you are really crunched for time, a delightful gift idea that is easy to make is a sweet "sundae"  of festive candy.  Using a clear glass, fill it full of your favorite holiday candy, top it off with ribbon and a stick of candy and "Voila" you have an eye-popping gift!

The glasses I used were tall beer glasses.  But, ice cream sundae or ice cream soda glasses would be fun also.  The candy can be bought at any local grocer during the holiday season.  But, I have found WalMart  to be one of the more competitive in price.   

Want more creative ideas? Click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                               ~ Debbie ~

OLD-FASHIONED CARAMEL POPCORN

Skip the cold and crowded shopping frenzy by giving a homemade gift with this old-fashioned popcorn recipe.  Besides being inexpensive and easy,  you get to spend your holiday time in the peace and quiet of your warm and cozy kitchen.  I found this recipe on Allrecipes.  Starting with fresh homemade popcorn, it is covered with a salty/sweet coating of caramel, chocolate and roasted peanuts.  Once the popcorn coating sets, you can package it festively in a fun container dressed up with cellophane and ribbon.  I found the Popcorn container as well as the cellophane and ribbon at the Dollar Tree.

Allrecipes - Caramel Popcorn

                                                             INGREDIENTS                                                       
                                                 
                                                    16  Cups Popped Popcorn
                                                      1  Cup Roasted Peanuts
                                                         1  Cup Brown Sugar
                                                              1/2 Cup Butter
                                                     1/4 Cup Light Corn Syrup
                                                    1  Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
                                                              1 Teaspoon Salt
                                                     1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
                                                    1  Cup Milk Chocolate Chips
                                                        1  Teaspoon Shortening

                                                           INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1:  Grease cookie sheets.

Step 2:  Pop popcorn.

Step 3:  Place popped popcorn (make sure there are no kernels) and roasted peanuts in a microwave safe bag.

Step 4:  Combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla and salt in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 4 minutes until bubbly.

 Step 5:  Stir baking soda into bubbly mixture.

Step 6:  Pour bubbly mixture over popcorn and peanuts and shake bag to coat.

Step 7:  Roll down edges of bag and place in microwave and heat for a total of 2 minutes, shaking bags 3 times to mix.

Step 8:  Spread mixture onto sheets to cool.

Step 9:  Combine chocolate and shortening in a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave 90 seconds total, stirring once until melted.

 Step 10: Drizzle over popcorn mixture and let cool to set.

Step 11:  Break popcorn mixture apart and enjoy!!                                                                    

Want more recipe ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                                 ~ Debbie~

GOD'S GUEST LIST - INSIGHTS REGARDING DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS

How would your life be changed if every person you met you asked yourself, "Why has God invited this person into my life?   What blessed influence am I to give or receive?"  Well, that's what Debbie Macomber inspires you to think about throughout this book.  The premise being that God makes no mistakes when inviting people into your life whether they be family, friends or rivals.  The challenge is to pay close enough attention as to why He feels they are important enough to be on the guest list He has created for you.  Thought provoking and encouraging, this book will help you embrace not only the lessons the "easy to love" people bring into your life but the more difficult ones as well!

My Book Club decided to read this newest non-fiction of Macomber's after having read her "One Simple Act" which we found just as inspirational.  Both books are great for gift giving and "God's Guest List" is especially great for anyone struggling with a difficult relationship.

I usually purchase books through Amazon for convenience although any local bookstore should carry this one.  If you are interested in purchasing from Amazon please click below...

God's Guest List: Welcoming Those Who Influence Our Lives

Want more creative ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees 

                                                            ~ Debbie ~

ONE SIMPLE ACT: DISCOVERING THE POWER OF GENEROSITY

Debbie Macomber weaves real life heartwarming stories throughout this book based on intentional acts of generosity - including giving, forgiving, caregiving, encouraging and listening.  It discusses the scientific benefits the giver receives, ideas on how to demonstrate generosity (many requiring no cash outlay) and personal anecdotes while empowering you to share yourself with others.  Embodying the true spirit of Christmas, this book helps you discover how even one small act of generosity can have a powerful impact on the receiver as well as the giver.   I discovered this highly inspirational and motivational book through my Book Club and found it to be truly life changing.  I love giving this book at Christmas since it makes such a great holiday read although it could easily be used as a devotional year round with its profound message!

You can buy this book at any local bookstore but I use Amazon for convenience.  If you are interested in purchasing from Amazon please click below...

One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity

Want more ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                                  ~ Debbie ~

MAKE SANTA JEALOUS WITH THIS HEATED SEAT CUSHION

This heated car seat cushion was one of the best presents I received this past Christmas as I get cold easily and do not have heated seats in my car.   It's extremely easy to install, and plugs right into the cigarette lighter, heating within seconds.  While you can buy several types, this one has a velour cover which is really soft and the way to go in my opinion.  When my sister found out about it, she asked for one for her birthday, and now my mom wants one for herself.  As they make great Christmas and birthday gifts, I went ahead and bought my mom and mother-in-law each one for the upcoming holidays this year.  They are always saying they don't need anything so this is a perfect gift for them.  The best part is that right now because it is nearing Spring,  they are on sale at 1/2 the price!  This is a great gift for those on your list that have everything except a newer car with a seat heater!

If you are interested in taking a closer look at this cushion, please click below...

Wagan IN9438 Black 12V Velour Heated Seat Cushion with Lumbar Support

Want more gift ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees
                                                                   ~ Stay Warm ~
                                                                      ~ Debbie ~

THE SWEET SMELL OF CHRISTMAS BOOK

Looking for a great children's Christmas book for ages 2 and up?  Then you need to pick up a copy of Smelly Bear!  Sounds a bit gross?  That's actually what my children nicknamed this classic scratch and sniff book "The Sweet Smell of Christmas" by Patricia Scarry.  This was and still is my children's absolute favorite, even now that they are all grown up.  The story is timeless as Little Bear delights in the various smells that make up Christmas - an apple pie, a pine tree (my personal favorite), a candy cane, a gingerbread boy cookie, a cup of hot chocolate and an orange in his stocking.  The book is filled with these oh so yummy scratch and sniff elements.  My kids read it so often they eventually scratched all the smells right off the pages.  A few years ago,  I bought each of them a brand new one and placed it in their stockings and it still brought just as much joy to them as adults as it did when they were little.  This book has been a true joy to read with my family.  Who knew a "Smelly Bear" could smell so good!

I usually purchase my books through Amazon for convenience. But, I've bought this book at local book stores and got lucky once at Marshall's.  If you would like to purchase this book from Amazon click below...

The Sweet Smell of Christmas (Scented Storybook)

Want more gift ideas?  Please click below...
Pineapples & Palm Trees

                                                                ~ Debbie ~