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Spring Cleaning Could Earn You a Pretty Penny

Spring cleaning time is upon us again. It’s when we open the windows to air the house out, shake out the winter dust, and get rid of all that clutter. Spring cleaning typically means throwing away junk or putting some not-so-often used items into boxes to be brought to a charitable organization.

You might want to look into the value of some of these items before you simply discard them. Vintage is in, and people are willing to pay a pretty penny a piece of the past. Here is just a sampling of items you may have in your home right now that you don’t even know are worth anything.

Themed Glasses. Peanuts, Flintstones, and other cartoon favorites were printed on glasses mainly as giveaways for many years. If you have some of these fun drinking glasses shoved in the back of a cabinet taking up space, you may want to put them up for sale. Here’s an example of what a lucky seller scored for their McDonald’s glasses.

Vinyl Records. Believe it or not, people are going back to spinning records to listen to music. The sound is warm and reminiscent of simpler times. Vinyl records have become a huge commodity, and depending on the condition of not only the record but also the sleeve, you can probably make some money on them. If you are lucky enough to own an early pressing or limited edition album, it could be worth thousands.

Costume Jewelry. Do you have some of your mother’s or grandmother’s old costume jewelry lying around? Don’t just throw it away. Some of these pieces are very collectible and have even become a fashion trend again. Check out these recent costume jewelry sales.

Vintage Tupperware. In the age of grab-and-go containers and throwaways, Tupperware is not as popular as it used to be. It’s pricey and takes up a lot of room. Nowadays however, vintage Tupperware is all the rage. People have come to realize that the quality these products offer cannot be found in today’s disposable plasticware.

Discontinued Beauty Products. It happens all the time. You find a product you love and the company discontinues it. Have a bottle of shampoo you bought a while back that didn’t work with your hair type? There might be somebody out there looking for it. Recently a bar of face soap that was discontinued years ago was sold for big bucks.

Cell Phones. If they work, there are plenty of people willing to pay for them. If you have an old “brick phone” like you’d see in movies from the 80’s and 90’s, or the very first iPhone, they can be worth a bundle in the right market.

Halloween Costumes. If you purchase new costumes for Halloween every year and then stick them away somewhere to gather dust, consider selling them. We all know that many times dressing up for that one day out of the year isn’t cheap. Why not recoup some of your money and giving someone else a deal at the same time?

Fine China. Nowadays most people don’t break out the china for dinner parties or special family dinners. It’s likely taking up space in a box in the attic or basement. Depending on the manufacturer, certain sets of china can be worth some money. If you have a collection, take it to an appraiser who specializes in antiques.

Old Cookbooks. In today’s digital society we get our recipes off the internet and save them on a Pinterest board or something similar. If you have old cookbooks lying around,d check a couple ‘for sale’ sites and see what they bring. As an example, if you have a copy of Julia Child’s original cookbook published by Knopf in 1961 Mastering the Art of French Cooking, it’s worth hundreds of dollars.

VHS Tapes. Before Blu-rays and streaming, VHS tape is how we watched movies at home. Did you know that some of them are worth a lot of money? Take a look at your collection and do some research before just throwing them in a landfill.

What are you waiting for? Start digging through those boxes and bins that you stuffed away years ago. Extra money is fun and can buy you lots of new pajamas! Good luck with your treasure hunt and happy selling

Show your inner Irish – 7 ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

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The observance of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland goes all the way back to the 17th century. It commemorates the death of St. Patrick in the fifth century, who is credited with having brought Christianity to Ireland. As such he became a figure of incredible devotion, was named the nation’s patron saint, and in 1631 the Vatican named March 17th an official religious holiday.

In the U.S., St. Patrick’s Day has become one of the most celebrated events of the year. It’s a time where EVERYONE has a little Irish in them. From city-wide parades to the partaking of green beer and Irish libations, millions of people participate in the festivities. It truly is a special holiday.

Do you have plans this year? Whether you’re heading out to a local affair or staying in with family and close friends, we have seven fun ideas that you and your gang of leprechauns can take part in to make the day shine.

Make a traditional Irish dinner. Most people don’t realize that corned beef and cabbage are not what you would find on the menu in Ireland for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The custom of serving this brined brisket with boiled cabbage and potatoes started here in America. If you want to have a meal like they do in Ireland, the traditional fare would include roast leg of lamb with rosemary, Shepherd’s Pie, or the very popular Beef and Guinness pie.

Play dress up. Novelty, department, and online stores are full of St Patrick’s Day gear right now. You can find leprechaun hats, sparkly ties, beads, pajama bottoms, and even lucky gold coins. If you’re celebrating with others, consider having a costume contest where your friends and family can let their inner Irish shine.

Teach yourself to Stepdance. In Ireland, dancing is an important part of their culture. The Irish Stepdance has been evolving for centuries but came to the forefront in 1994’s ‘Riverdance.’ There are many videos available on YouTube, so why do not get the gang together and try it out for yourself? You’ll even get a little exercise which is a bonus.

Plant shamrocks. These adorable green little plants make wonderful foliage for your outdoor summer garden. If you’re lucky enough to be in an area where you can put them outside now, go ahead and do so. You’ll watch them grow all season long and have a little luck growing outside your door. If it’s not quite time to plant outdoors in your zone, start them inside. You can nurture and grow them until it gets warm enough, and then find the perfect place to put them later.

Have a treasure hunt. People are always looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Now’s their chance to find it. Have a scavenger hunt that sends the players to a variety of locations to get clues which will eventually lead to the “treasure.”

Have an Irish craft day. The wee ones will have hours of fun creating things like Shamrock Slime, Rainbow Pasta Necklaces, or their own St Patrick’s Day Play Dough. There are tons of ideas available online just a Google search away.

Watch movies that take place in Ireland. If you can’t travel, why not do the second best thing? Ireland has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Stream a couple of movies that are set in Ireland and watch them from your big screen. It’s not the same as traveling, but during these times, we take what we can get.

How are you celebrating St. Patty’s this year? Share with us here or over on our Facebook page.

Sláinte!

7 ways to get ready for spring

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It’s almost time to put another winter behind us. Every day we’re seeing a little bit more daylight, the temperatures are starting to rise, and signs of spring are starting to pop up everywhere. There’s something about the fresh start spring brings that just makes us feel so great!

When that first perfect day hits, you’re going to want to spend time outdoors enjoying the nice weather. With a little prep, you can ensure that you’ll need less time for work and more time for fun!

Rotate clothing– We won’t need heavy sweaters or winter wear for much longer so start washing and storing the really wintry stuff now. At the same time, start pulling out your spring clothes so you don’t have to sift through your wardrobe to find the right outfit on that first 70-degree day. Don’t forget about your spring pajamas… lighter fabrics with floral prints are perfect for setting that spring mood.

Start thinking about your garden. Do you grow vegetables? Do you love having a yard full of flowers? With more people spending time at home, gardening has become a hot new hobby. This caused many greenhouses and nurseries to run out of stock early last spring and many people were unable to purchase plants. To make sure, that you have everything you want to grow this year, why not start seeds indoors? Empty cardboard eggshell cartons are a great way to keep your seeds separate and nurture them until you can plant them outside.

Springtime skin and hair care. Cold dry air in the winter requires a different skincare routine. We typically use heavier moisturizers, and a lot of people don’t use as much sunscreen during the winter months. As the humidity and UV levels rise, you’ll want something lighter with sunscreen. The same thing applies to your hair care routine. In the warmer months, you may not need a super-moisturizing shampoo or thick conditioner. Pick up what you’re going to need now so you’re not in the checkout line when you should be enjoying yourself.

Start thinking spring cleaning. De-cluttering and refreshing your home feels great! There’s nothing like opening your windows on a beautiful spring day and kicking the winter dust and stale air to the curb. Even if we’re not quite there yet, you can start the cleaning part now. Go through closets & cupboards and start throwing things away. Pull out that furniture in low traffic rooms to vacuum and dust. Then when that perfect window opening day comes, you can tackle the main parts of your home.

Don’t forget about your Furry Friends. If you have pets, chances are they’ve got a full, thick winter coat right now. As the weather warms, they will start to lose that hair. You can be proactive now and make sure to brush and comb them regularly to start thinning that hair out, or you can wait and clean it up daily from your furniture, clothes, and floors. We recommend option A.

Get a pedicure. It’s almost flip-flop season! Need we say more? Make sure those little piggies are ready to come out of hibernation by getting a pedicure now!

Start exercising now. If your new year’s resolution to start exercising fell by the wayside in week 2, now’s the time for a resolution reboot. Short and tank top weather is knocking on the door and you want to look your best. Start exercising to shed that quarantine AND winter weight.

You’ll find this to be a great start. Happy spring! Bring on birds, blossoms, and tree buds.

The Ultimate Closet Cleaning Guide

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We’ve been spending a lot of time at home… a lot of time. Over the last year, you’ve likely learned a lot about the home you live in and you’ve probably done a lot of organizing as well. Cleaning out cabinets, storage closets, drawers, basements, and attics is somewhat of a national past-time these days. But… have you cleaned out your main wardrobe closet yet?

If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Did you know that the clothes closet is usually the very last place people organize when cleaning or de-cluttering their homes? Why is that? It’s because our clothes are the hardest things for us to let go of, and they hold a sentimental place in our hearts. Every shirt, dress, pair of pants, sweater, and jacket can be linked to an event in your life or memory. This year, before spring hits, vow to tackle your closet head-on. Clean it out, get rid of things, and make room for new beautiful items.

We’ve got some tips to make the process as painless as possible. So make a pot of coffee, put on your comfy pajamas, and let’s go!

Who gets what? To begin with, decide what’s going to happen with the things you’re going to get rid of. You may for instance have family or friends who need or want your hand-me-downs. There will also likely be things that you can donate to your local thrift shop, shelter, or charity. Keep them separate as you put them in bags or boxes.

Start at one side. It’s very easy to become distracted when you’re cleaning out your closet. Pick a starting point and follow the flow. Move through each section one by one. Whatever you encounter, don’t allow yourself to stray from the game plan or you’ll end up with a bigger mess than you know what to do with.

Let go. As stated earlier, clothes have many sentimental memories and we all have those few items that we’ll keep forever, but you can’t keep everything. The rule of thumb is if you’ve gone two seasons and haven’t worn an article of clothing, chances are you will never wear it again. Get rid of it. It’s only taking up space and adding to your clutter.

Check the fit. Make sure to try things on. If you’re like many people, you’re holding on to a lot of clothes that don’t fit anymore. If something is too big, chances are you’ll never wear it again. If too small, and your plan is to lose weight so it will fit again, ask yourself if you’d actually wear it. If not, it’s much more fun to buy new clothes once you shed the weight.

Look the clothes over. Many times people have clothes in the closet that have a tear, a button missing, or a broken zipper and the intention was to fix them. If you haven’t done it by now, you probably aren’t going to. Send them on to greener pastures.

Think about your current style. Are you holding on to those stirrup pants from 1984 because you’re hoping they’re going to come back in style? Even if something like that were to become trendy again, chances are the look will be slightly different. Let go of the past.

Clean everything. It’s just common courtesy to make sure that whatever you’re giving to someone or donating to charity is clean and smells fresh.

Recycle. Most people have t-shirts, sweatshirts, or other items that are too worn to donate or give away, but you don’t want them either. Don’t just throw them away immediately. Reuse them by turning them into rags for cleaning (old sweatshirts are great for cleaning your car) and once they have served their purpose, then you can toss them.

Out of sight. Once you are done, get those bags and boxes out of your house. We cannot stress this enough. Load them in the car and drive them to their new homes. If you keep them you’ll start thinking “well maybe I should keep that one sweater because…” and they will without a doubt start working their way out of the bags and back into the closet. You must relocate them at once.

And that’s it. Now you have a closet with lots of room to be refilled with cute, fresh new outfits. Go shopping and have fun. May we suggest you start with pajamas?

Football Fun – Party Games for Super Duper Sunday

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The big game between Kansas City and Tampa Bay will be played on February 7th. Did you know it’s the first time in history that the game is being played on the home field of one of the competing teams?

For millions of Americans, hosting a party to watch the event is a tradition. Friends and family gather to root on their favorite team, enjoy delicious food, and partake in some adult beverages. This year, consider adding some fun games and activities to elevate your celebration to the next level. We’ve got 6 ideas that will make you score big with your guests!

Don’t say it – At the start of your party come up with a word that no one is allowed to say during the game. For instance, you can ban the word “touchdown,” and each time a guest says it, they’ll have some kind of penalty like having to take a drink, do a somersault, or eat something not very appealing.

Watch the Puppy Bowl – Tune into Discovery+ or Animal Planet at 2pm EST and watch 70 adorable puppies play their version of the big game. It’s for a great cause – raising awareness for pet adoption. Take wagers on the winners and then donate the proceeds to your local animal shelter.

Commercial Bingo – Lots of people look forward to the commercials that air during the big game. Why not make it a fun activity to play along with? Fanduel.com has instructions and a printable bingo card you can use for inspiration. Pick up some prizes for the winners and get ready to scream ‘BINGO’!

Football Charades – Follow the usual rules of charades but only use football terms for the clues. They can be easy like field goal, cheerleader, and helmet, or you can pick tougher clues like halftime show, offsides, and mascot.

Food Competition – Have each guest bring a dish that is football-themed then ask the guests to vote on their favorites. The winner gets a prize. This activity has an added bonus because you don’t have to do all the cooking!

Play Football – Have a pre-game game. Split up into teams and hold your very own championship. This can be done in any climate – even in the snow. Just make sure to dress warmly. The players will get some of their energy out so they can focus on the game and they’ll be extra hungry which means fewer leftovers to clean up!

Football Trivia – Create a “test” on a sheet of paper and make copies. Pass them out to your guests as they arrive and let them fill out the answers. The person who gets the most right wins. You could have questions like player’s nicknames, famous big game commercials, bowl history, and more. It’s fun to see what the Monday morning quarterbacks really know.

We hope you’ll try some of these ideas at your party this year. If you have other traditions or fun things you like to do at your annual celebration, we’d love to hear them! Share them with us here or over on our Facebook page.

Finding Your Way To Better Sleep

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A good night’s sleep is critical to your overall health. When you get the right amount of sleep at night it makes you more productive the next day, lowers stress levels, and improves your overall frame of mind. Your sleep quality can even affect your weight and the health of your skin.

Most people who have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep know the basics of what to do and what not to do, such as drinking herbal tea, taking a warm bath, and avoiding technology right before bed. But, there are some other methods you can also try if the old stand-by isn’t working for you. If you are one of the millions of people that have trouble getting enough zzzz’s at night, give some of these lesser know techniques a shot.

Pick the Right Pajamas: Proper sleepwear is critical to a good night’s sleep and a great pair of pajamas makes all the difference. If you aren’t comfortable, you’ll toss and turn all night disturbing your regular cycle. The way your pajamas fit is very important. If pajamas are too loose you might start to feel tangled up as you move around. If too tight, your PJ’s may feel binding and can cut off circulation. Another thing to consider is the fabric your sleepwear is constructed of. You don’t want to be too hot or cold and you want the fabric to feel good on your skin. Everyone has different tastes, but it just so happens that they make pajamas out of every type of material imaginable!

Drink Tart Cherry Juice: Tart cherries (Known as Montmorency cherries) are naturally rich in melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep. Drinking tart cherry juice before bed gives you just the right amount of melatonin to help you fall asleep and stay asleep while supplying your body with a ton of nutrients and antioxidants. Tart cherry juice is also thought to help reduce arthritis and gout symptoms, combat muscle soreness, and improve brain health. The juice can be purchased as a concentrate that you mix with water or ready to drink.

Take a Magnesium Supplement: Magnesium is one of the most common minerals on earth and is found in many of the foods we eat. Our bodies depend on it to function properly. Bone health, brain, heart, and muscle function are just some of the 600 cellular reactions throughout your body that magnesium intake controls. The supplements provide benefits such as fighting inflammation, relieving constipation, and lowering blood pressure, but did you know magnesium may help treat sleep problems? Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters that send signals to the nervous system and brain helping you to relax. It also regulates the melatonin your body naturally produces, which controls your sleep-wake cycle.

Lavender Aromatherapy: Lavender is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India and has been used to improve sleep for centuries. Our brains find the scent of Lavender soothing, which in turn slows brain wave activity allowing you to relax. The scent can be used in many different ways such as diffusers in your bedroom, lotions or pure essential oils directly applied to the skin, and you can even find laundry treatments that are lavender scented. It’s a must-have fragrance to help you get great shut-eye.

Relaxation App: Many times the inability to get a good night’s sleep comes from our brains working overtime. You know how it is. You go to bed and suddenly you start thinking about the day’s events, your upcoming schedule, or the stresses that come with everyday life. It can keep you up for hours! A great way to combat this is to download a relaxation app. Soothing ocean sounds, the soft patter of raindrops, or even the whirring of a fan transform your environment into a happy place where you can clear your mind and decompress.

Meditation: Did you know that 1-in-6 adults meditate before bed? Taking a few minutes to clear your mind before you go to bed can do wonders for your sleep cycle. When using a variety of mind and body techniques to promote relaxation, you release tension and ready your brain for sleep. Look for some videos and articles online to give you insight into different types of mediation practices and to find the right technique for you.

Do you have a proven method of getting to sleep and staying asleep that has worked wonders for you? Our community would love to hear them. Comment below or head on over to our Facebook page and share them with us!

5 Tasty and festive cocktails to ring in the New Year

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As we prepare to ring in a new year, many people can’t wait to say goodbye to a very strange year. Whether you will be gathering with a small group or relaxing on the couch, one thing we can all agree on is that a cocktail in hand is a very fitting way to bid adieu to the challenges we have faced this year.

We’ve got 5 must-try libations perfect for the anticipation of better things to come. We hope you join us in a toast as we kick 2020 to the curb and welcome new beginnings and a fresh start.

Poinsettia Fizz

Champagne is a staple for many New Year’s celebrations but you don’t have to settle for just a glass of bubbly. This 3-ingredient cocktail gives you the wonderful fizz we like from champagne, tart flavor from cranberry juice, and a boozy sweet kick from Gran Marnier. You’ll need:

1 to 2 ounces cranberry juice
1 ounce Grand Marnier (or orange liqueur)
Champagne or Prosecco, chilled
Fresh cranberries

Fill a Champagne glass with 1 to 2 ounces cranberry juice and 1 ounce Grand Marnier. Top with Champagne or Prosecco and garnish with cranberries.

Cider Sidecar

The ultimate winter cocktail, Cognac, Cointreau, and apple cider are a delicious combination perfect for sitting around the fireplace and watching the countdown. Top it with just a splash of Champagne for an extra fancy twist.

2 oz. fresh apple cider
2 oz. cognac
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
A strip of lemon zest and brandied cherries, for serving

Place cider, cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until 20 to 30 seconds until the shaker is frosty. Strain into a martini glass and top with zest and brandied cherries. Top with a splash of Champagne if desired.

Pineapple Margarita Sparklers

Sweet and salty with just a little kick, this extra sparkly Margarita will transport you to a tropical island for your New Year’s countdown.

1cup fresh pineapple chunks
1cup fresh lime juice
1/4cup fresh lemon juice
1cup silver tequila
1/2cup Grand Marnier (orange liqueur)
1bottle (750 ml) champagne
fresh mint, for serving

In a blender, combine pineapple, lime and lemon juice, and pulse to combine. Strain into a pitcher and add the tequila and Grand Marnier. Chill until ready to serve.

Just before serving, add the champagne then rim glasses with lime and then chili salt. Pour drinks in glasses and garnish with fresh or grilled pineapple slices and mint.

Chipotle Chili Salt

1/4cup kosher or margarita salt
1teaspoon chipotle chili powder (if you can’t find it, just mix equal parts of chipotle powder and chili powder)

On a shallow plate, combine the salt and chili powder.

Classic Martini

Sometimes foregoing the fancy cocktails and sticking to a classic standard is the best way to remember simpler times. This recipe is shaken – not stirred.

5 ounces vodka or gin
.5 ounces dry vermouth
Olive or lemon twist for garnish

Pour ice, vodka or gin, and vermouth into a glass shaker. Shake and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with olives or lemon twist. Like it dirty? Add olive juice to taste and garnish with stuffed olives instead of lemon.

Boozy Hot Chocolate Buffet with Charcuterie Board

If it’s your sweet tooth that needs satisfying this New Year’s Eve, we’ve got just the ticket. Many Liqueurs’ or cream-based liquors mix great with hot chocolate so there is no recipe here. It’s the dress-up part that’s where the creativity comes. A Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board allows people to pick their own poisons. There is no right or wrong here. Have fun with it. Some ideas include:

A variety of alcohol choices like Baileys, Peppermint Schnapps, Frangelico, and Rum Chata (and/or whatever you like)
Crushed candy canes, mini marshmallows, colorful sprinkles, whipped cream, white and dark chocolate pieces, caramel sauce or caramel candies, buttermint candies crumbled cookies (such as Oreos, pirouettes, or shortbread.

Don’t forget to have a way to keep the cocoa hot!

From all of us at Pajama Company, Cheers to you! Happy New Year!

Are you ready for Christmas? Your last-minute holiday checklist

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Christmas is just days away and as prepared as we think we are, there always to seems to be something we forget to do or get ready for. We’re here to help make sure that your holiday runs smoothly with a Christmas checklist you’ll want to refer to every year. Don’t forget to check it twice and then sit back and enjoy the magic of Christmas!

Check the fridge and pantry: There is nothing worse than getting ready to prepare an amazing holiday meal only to find out that you don’t have an ingredient on hand and the stores are closed. Write down everything you plan to make and then inventory your refrigerator and pantry. Don’t forget appetizers and beverage needs.

Remember service folks: Show your hairstylist, trash removal workers, the kid’s teachers, and all the people who make your life easier how much you appreciate them during the holidays. A gift card is a perfect way to do this allowing them to choose what’s right for them. Your delivery drivers and postal employees work especially hard this time of year, but they may not be able to accept gifts or only those valued under a certain amount. Check with your local offices to find out what they are allowed to receive. Another great idea is to leave a basket of goodies (think pre-packaged snacks, bottled water, and juice) at your door so they can grab a snack. With all the packages they are delivering, they may not have time to stop for a meal. Your gesture will be truly appreciated.

Pick up stocking stuffers: Many times we find ourselves in a position where we could use a quick gift or stocking stuffer. Be prepared by picking up a few extra little tidbits for these very occasions. A good rule of thumb is to get something that you yourself would use, eat, or want and is not anything that would be outdated next year. That way, if you don’t give it as a gift, you can use it for yourself or keep it for next year.

Don’t forget the pets: When busy shopping and picking out the perfect gifts for the humans in our lives, we sometimes forget about the furry critters that live with us. They like Christmas too! A couple of toys or treats for our fur-babies will make them extra happy during the hustle and bustle of the season. Most times, these gifts should be kept in an out of pet-reach place until you are ready to give them their goodies. 9 out of 10 times, under the tree is not a wise choice – trust us on this. 

Schedule visit times: Family gatherings will be a bit different this year as large get-togethers aren’t recommended. If you have a lot of people you want to communicate with on Christmas it might be a good idea to create some kind of a schedule where can connect with them. This way you’ll be sure to share your season’s greetings with everyone you love and care about.

Wrap it up: Are all those presents you hid throughout the house wrapped? Make one last sweep of all your favorite hiding place to make sure you’ve got them all. You don’t want to remember Christmas morning that you forgot those 2 on the top shelf in the linen closet behind the towels.

Make your own checklist: One of the most important things you can do is create a list of your own. Are the Christmas Morning Pajamas clean? Is your holiday music playlist ready to go? Have all the decorations been put up? There are so many things to think about. If you plan in advance and keep yourself organized you’ll be able to enjoy the very long holiday weekend with no worries!

Merry Christmas!

Delight Your Sweet Tooth: 8 Holiday Cookie Recipes You Should Bake Right Now!

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One of the best parts of the holiday season is all the wonderful sweet treats that we get to indulge in! It’s that time of the year where we fire up the ovens and start baking all kinds of delicious cookies. Holiday cookie making is a tradition that many of us do every year. They make for thoughtful gifts, beautiful platters for your holiday get-togethers, and of course tasty snacks for everyone in the household to devour. Plus, who doesn’t love to have their home filled with the smell of cookies baking?

There’s nothing like putting on your favorite pajamas, brewing up a hot cup of cocoa or tea, and satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you lean more towards the traditional varieties of cookies or like to experiment with new recipes, we’ve put together some musts you’ve got to put on your holiday baking list!

Eggnog Cookies from Spend with Pennies

A favorite holiday beverage in a chewy cookie is exactly what we crave. There’s eggnog in both the cookie and the icing! The great part about this cookie is the ability to finish them off by sprinkling a variety of different toppings over the creamy icing. You can find the recipe here at Spend with Pennies.

Raspberry Linzer Cookies from My Recipes

What’s not to love about crispy almond cookies filled with sweet raspberry preserves? Dust with a little powdered sugar for the “snowy” vibe and you have a traditional holiday cookie that everyone will love. This recipe from My Recipes is just like grammas.

Peppermint Pattie-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies from Delish.com

This is a super easy 6 ingredient cookie that blends 2 of our favorite flavors chocolate and mint. This chewy cookie with a surprise inside is a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. Here’s the recipe from the folks over at Delish.com.

Pecan Crescent Butter Cookies from The Spruce Eats

No holiday is complete without these crescent moon, melt in your mouth pecan cookies. They are a very versatile treat that pair well with coffee, tea, or just by themselves. We love them as that little “something sweet” after a wonderful meal. Try this recipe with options for substitutions from The Spruce Eats.

Melted Snowman Cookies from myimperfectkitchen.com

A fun cookie to make that the kids will just love. You start with a basic sugar cookie that you can make from scratch, a mix, or refrigerated dough and decorate from there. It’s a cute alternative to the standard cut-out sugar cookie. My Imperfect Kitchen has a great recipe with step-by-step pictures to guide you through the process.

Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies from thefirstyearblog.com

If the thought of chocolate and cherries has your mouth-watering you’re not alone. These are a Pinterest favorite and the recipe from thefirstyearblog.com has amazing pictures that will have you writing ‘cherries’ on your grocery list immediately.

Gluten-Free Pistachio Truffle Cookies from Epicurious

This sweet and salty cookie is a great way to get your sugar fix without straying from your gluten-free diet. They take a little more effort than some other recipes but the end result is a cookie you’ll want to make well beyond the holiday season. Epicurious has a detailed recipe that walks you through the process.

Gingerbread Men (or women, or whatever) from Taste of Home

No holiday season is complete without the traditional gingerbread cookie. Traditionally, the most popular shape is happy little guys complete with buttons and a big smile. Nowadays, any shape you desire will complete your holiday cookie display. We found one of the best recipes over at Taste of Home.

If you have a favorite recipe we’d love to have you share it with us. Post it here or on our Facebook page.

Happy Baking!

Looking for the perfect gift? Unique holiday gift baskets they’re gonna love!

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With the holiday gift-giving season in full swing, we all have that person or people in our lives, that are either impossible to shop for, already have everything, or we’re just not finding something that screams “this is it”. Sure you can go grab a gift card, a bottle of wine, or a pre-made gift box and give those as gifts. That would be quick and easy right?

We have a better idea. Make unique gift baskets for everyone on your list this year. They are completely customizable, look beautiful, and you have complete control of their contents. Plus, we think you might have some fun making them too!

We’ll get your creative juices flowing with 10 basket ideas we plan on making this year.

Bloody Mary Basket. The vodka is the centerpiece of this basket so make sure you get a nice bottle. Add a bottle of Bloody Mary mix, hot sauce, seasoned salt, an array of pickled condiments, and some snack mix to round your basket out. As a nice Added Touch, you could add personalized glasses with the recipient’s name.

Spa Day Basket. There are no rules for this one. Fill it with scented body washes, scrubs or sugars, bath accessories, facial treatments, and even a pair of warm slippers to tie it all together. A few candles, a fragrant diffuser, and soft music CD makes this gift even more special.

Pet Lovers Basket. Sometimes, when you give the gift to the special fur baby in someone’s life, you’re doing much more than giving the human parent something. You can fill these baskets with so many goodies like dog treats, toys, pet outfits, or even a new dish for food or water. Top it off with a beautiful frame for the human, so that they can proudly display their favorite picture of their beloved companion.

Salad Addict Gift Basket. You probably don’t want to add fresh produce to this gift, but you can give them wonderful additions to the standard salad. Think nuts, dried berries, tortilla strips, croutons, artichoke hearts, olive oils, a bottle of fancy vinegar, and don’t forget the gourmet dressings (make sure you don’t choose ones that need refrigeration). Instead of a basket, use a large salad bowl to hold everything and finish it off with serving utensils.

The Cuddle Up Basket. This is for the person who either needs to relax or loves spending a peaceful day at home. Start with a set of pajamas, warm socks, a cozy blanket, and then include herb tea and honey or some trendy hot chocolate bombs. If you know what kind of movies they like, include a couple of Blu-ray discs.

The Wine Drinkers Basket. Yep, we said a bottle of wine was quick and easy but an entire wine basket is a whole different thing. Choose good wines, and add wine glasses, wine glass charms, coasters, and chocolates. A wonderful added touch would be a gift certificate to a local cheese shop. Shopping for a beer lover instead? Swap out the wine items for craft brews, beer mugs, beef jerky, and nuts.

The Breakfast Basket. The most important meal of the day has no rules. Pancake mix, maple syrup, bacon (make sure they can refrigerate right away), jams, breakfast biscuits, granola bars, coffee, tea, homemade sweet bread/muffins, or anything else you think they will enjoy can be added to this thoughtful gift. If you want to add some non-food items, consider coffee mugs or a gift certificate to a local restaurant for champagne brunch.

The Pickle Fanatic Basket. There are hundreds of different kinds of pickles out there. If you know someone crazy for pickles, this is a wonderful treat. You can get hot & spicy ones, sweet ones, sour ones, big pickles, and small pickles. You can even find things like pickle-flavored candy, chips, vodka, and nuts. A quick internet search of ‘pickle flavored’ will shock you. If you know someone who lives for hot sauce, you could do that instead.

The Pasta Chef Basket. Fill it with unique kinds of pasta, robust sauces, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta serving spoon, and a chef hat. Sweeten it up with Italian cookies and some limoncello.

The Barbecue Master Basket. Perfect for the king –or queen – of the grill, you can get super creative here. A nice set of BBQ tools, seasonings & rubs, barbeque sauces, hot pads, hickory or apple chips, metal skewers, and a digital meat thermometer are just some of the items you can stuff this basket with. Want to really make an impression? A gift certificate to the local meat market will make their holiday extra great!

When it comes to gift baskets, there is no right or wrongs. They are fun to make, always get a wonderful reception, and allow you to give folks exactly what they like. Come up with your own theme and fill those baskets full!

If you have creative ideas for unique gift baskets, please share them here or over on our Facebook page.

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Looking for the perfect gift? Unique holiday gift baskets they’re gonna love!

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