Valentine Luminaries

The day after Christmas, Valentine decorations appear everywhere. It’s a quick transition from one holiday to another! Before you pack away those cute little Christmas battery lights, this craft puts them to use one more time.  The Valentine Luminaries gives a soft glow and make a great centerpiece or a cute night-light for your little girl’s room. It’s an easy project that kids can do. It involves the “tissue paper and glue technique” that perhaps your kids have done before with other holiday decor. It’s so easy!

 

Valentine Luminaries grandparentsplus.com

 

Materials:

white, light pink, dark pink, and red tissue paper. (Maybe you have some left over from wrapping those presents.)

watered-down white glue or Mod-Podge

brush

glass container or jar

battery Lights

Directions:

Start with your glass container upside down. The opening should be at the bottom.

Tear pieces of white, pink, and dark pink tissue paper and apply with watered-down glue or Mod-Podge.

When you’ve covered the entire glass overlapping pieces, let dry.

Valentine Luminairies grandparentsplus.com

 

Cut hearts out of red tissue paper. Make different sizes and apply to the container over the whites and pinks. Stickers won’t work as the light doesn’t shine through. They will only appear as black.

 

If you wish, add a few flowers or bow on top. Place the battery lights inside and light it up!

Valentine Luminaries grandparentsplus.com

Using the same idea, make 3 smaller Valentine Luminaries and string the lights from one to another.

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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Cowboy Baby Shower

Looking for ideas for a boy baby shower? This Cowboy Baby Shower is perfect for a little buckaroo! Decorations, food and game ideas are all included in this cute shower theme.  Have your guests wear something denim for this party. Decorate with burlap, denim, plaids, bandannas, and you’ve got a memorable shower for a little cowboy!  

This shower was given by my friend, Vicki.  I’m sharing her cute ideas along with adding some game ideas for this theme, too!

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentsplus.com

Don’t limit this just to a little boy, but change the colors to denim and pink and this would work just as well for a little cowgirl!

Vicki found the  denim pennants on a clearance rack and add the red-checked letters of the newborn boy! How quick and easy to do making a nice keep-sake for the new baby’s room.

 

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentsplus.com

 

Denim, burlap, bandannas and “cowboy” named snacks carry out the theme…..

Pitch Forks- Forks, Cowboy Caviar-Bean Salsa, Chicken Feed – Deviled Eggs, Cow Chips- Chips for the Salsa, Vittles- Cheese and Caramel Popcorn,

 

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentplus.com

Cow Pies – Cheesecake, Fruit Round-up – Assorted Fruits, and, of course, Cowboy cookies!

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentsplus.com

Hay Bales – Rice Krispy Bars, and the drinks are named: Morning Dew – Juice, and Cactus Juice – Punch

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentsplus.com

Cute paper plates and napkins add to the cowboy atmosphere. Also, use stuffed horses or a rocking horse for more cowboy decorations.

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentsplus.co

Looking for a cute gift idea to make along the Cowboy theme? These onesies with cowboy themed iron-on symbols are perfect for the theme.

 

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentsplus.com

Now, if you’re ambitious, sew a cowboy quilt for the little buckaroo. Nice job, Vicki!

Cowboy Baby Shower grandparentsplus.com

 

Now for some game ideas….

Cowboys round-up “little doggies”  so a match game of baby animal names would fit.  Here’s a site with all the names of baby animals  to use for your match game.   www.zooborns   A smaller list is available for printing at www.baby-shower.com

Other cowboy related games are found on www.grandparentsplus.com/western-game-ideas.  These are ideas I used with my grandchildren for our camp, but the Snake in the Boot game would work for a shower game, too. Substitute the snake with a baby item! If you don’t have a cowboy boot, use a cowboy hat and stand at a distance to throw the pacifier or other baby item in it. Give 3 tries and see who has the best score!

If you would like to create your own game of interesting cowboy terms, go to www.lemen.com

For prizes, give bags of Trail Mix! 

For more cowboy food ideas, go to grandparentsplus.com/western-food-ideas

Here are ideas for Cowboy Cupcakes…..

Horse Cupcakes  – Complete instructions are on www.luckypony.com

Cowboy Shower Ideas grandparentsplus.com

Cowboy Hat Cupcakes by  ricarocuisine

Cowboy Shower Ideas grandparentsplus.com

Hope this gives you many fun ideas for a cowboy baby shower. Lots of these ideas would translate for a kid’s birthday party or even an adult western party.

Have fun!

Phyllis

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Gouda Cheese Hash Brown Bake

There’s a favorite restaurant that I like to go to for breakfast. Their Gouda Cheese Hash Brown Bake is amazing! I go there just to have that with an omelet or eggs.  I had never tasted hash browns like that before. I finally asked the cook if he gave out his recipe. He wouldn’t tell me the amounts, but he did give me the ingredients. So, I’ve experimented and have come up with a recipe that tastes like the one at the restaurant. They are the best! You might say they’re GOOD-Ah!

Gouda Cheese Hash Brown Bake grandparentsplus.com

 

Gouda Cheese Hash Brown Bake
Recipe Type: Breakfast or Brunch side dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Phyllis@grandparentsplus.com
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10-12 servings
Gouda Cheese melted in with a hash brown mixture! The best hash brown recipe you’ll try!
Ingredients
  • Frozen Hash Browns (28-30 oz.)
  • 2 cups shredded Gouda Cheese
  • 3/4 cup yellow onions
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 pint of heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vegetable base (look for this in your soup aisle)
  • Salt and Pepper
Instructions
  1. Thaw hash browns and place in large bowl.
  2. Add shredded Gouda cheese
  3. Saute onions and garlic until translucent in 1-2 T. olive oil and add to bowl.
  4. Add salt and pepper to taste
  5. Mix together
  6. Mix 2 tsp of Vegetable Base into 1 pint of heavy cream and stir until combined.
  7. Put hash brown mixture In a grease 9 x 13 pan
  8. Drizzle the heavy cream with vegetable base over the hash browns in the pan.
  9. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour
  10. Remove from oven, cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
  11. Cut in squares and serve.

The vegetable base, in this recipe, adds great flavor. It’s a bit expensive, but you’ll use it again and again.

This Gouda Cheese Hash Brown Bake makes a nice big pan. If you have left-overs, just freeze the individual portions to use later. Take out as needed and microwave.

Another great recipe for hash browns are the Shreds. You might want to check them out, too!

Gouda Cheese Hash Brown Bake grandparentsplus.com

Oh, I’ll still go back to that restaurant for breakfast, but now I can have those hash browns anytime.

Gouda Cheese Hash Brown Bake grandparentsplus.com

I know you’ll enjoy this recipe!

Phyllis

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Winter Sunset

Most of the beautiful sunsets occur during the summer with the gorgeous colors mirrored across the lake. However, this winter sunset was awesome with the patterns on the ice. I had to take a picture and show that winter can be beautiful, too. 

Winter Sunset

 

 

This is the view out our great-room window! We never tire of the beauty of God’s world around us!

This is not my usual post, but thought I’d share.

Thanks for viewing and Happy New Year!

Phyllis

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The Coming of the Christmas Lamb

Looking for a Christmas Devotional? This poem, The Coming of the Christmas Lamb,  written by my sister, Barbara Anderson, makes a wonderful devotional for both young and old. She has given me permission to share this poem with you. It tells the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth in a wonderful way. I hope you enjoy the poem and the message it brings.

The Coming of the Christmas Lamb grandparentsplus.com

 

The Coming of the Christmas Lamb

By Barb Anderson

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when over the earth

People were awaiting the Savior’s birth.

Shepherds were resting while watching their sheep.

Because of wild animals, they dared not to sleep.

Suddenly light shone from the sky high above.

A bright star appeared announcing God’s love.

The shepherds were frightened and fell to the ground.

In the darkness of the night, God’s glory shone ‘round.

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,

But a choir of angels who said, “Do not fear!”

“A Savior is born in a city close by.”

“Jesus, the Lord, in a manger does lie.”

Good tidings of great joy they did proclaim.

The shepherds knew life would not be the same.

Why would the angels to us come and sing?

We’re just ragged old shepherds with nothing to bring.

They rounded up their sheep and off they went.

To find the Savior, the one God had sent.

In the dark of night, the star was their guide.

And soon they arrived at the Savior’s side.

There in a manger surrounded by sheep

The Lamb of God was peacefully asleep.

The sheep nestled closely to keep Jesus warm.

The shepherds stood watch to keep him from harm.

Baby Jesus was swaddled in burial clothes,

A symbol of His death, and triumph over foes.

Jesus was the promised one, His work would soon begin.

The Christ child came to save us from all of our sin.

The shepherds they spread the good news as they went,

To let others know that a Savior was sent.

When you seek Him and ask Him to make your sins clean

White as wool they’ll become—not a spot to be seen.

When His gift of salvation you accept and claim,

In the Lamb’s Book of Life will be written your name.

Yes, the Lamb of God, brought salvation and light.

So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Copyright December 2014

Barbara Anderson

Note to readers from Barbara:  On a recent trip to Israel, our Bethlehem guide told us that the strips of cloth used to swaddle baby Jesus were burial cloth pieces that were used to wrap a corpse.  Strips of burial cloth were also used to wrap the feet of the little lambs that were to be sacrificed.  This would keep the lamb clean and without defect. Jesus was the perfect Lamb of God who was sacrificed for our sins.

“You were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” I Peter 1:19

The Coming of the Christmas Lamb grandparentsplus.com

Thank you for stopping by to read this poem. 

Have a blessed Christmas celebrating the Lamb of God!

Phyllis

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Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 3

I’m bringing you more Christmas Tablescapes from our Christmas Extravaganza at our church. Different women volunteer to totally decorate a table. The creativity is amazing. If you missed Part 1 or Part 2, please click on them to see my prior posts with additional ideas for your own table. 

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

You can’t go wrong with the Christmas colors of red, green and gold! The centerpiece repeats the colors and uses accents of pinecones. Lots of festive texture and pattern are added to the table with the addition of the striped tablecloth.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

This unique table takes a hobby and turns it into a very creative tablescape.  A vintage sewing machine becomes the centerpiece attraction. Napkins, tucked into the goblets, have a scissor pattern in red and white. 

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Notice the tiny Christmas tree on the sewing machine. All the decorations are sewing notions. Not pictured are the various quilted runners over the back of each chair.

Chistmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

Gold and black are stunning together on this table. Gold striped fabric is laid across the table for added texture and design. The napkins are simply rolled, folded, and wrapped with gold mesh ribbon. 

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Christmas trees with different textures are grouped together inside a large lighted wreath to form this centerpiece. Even the napkins are folded to look like Christmas trees. Notice the tree-etched goblets, too.

Learn the technique at this site…..

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Purple, white,  gold, and silver colors create a beautiful table. You see a lot of mixing of different metals now in decorating and this table does it well. 

Christmas Tablescapes 2105 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Highlight your favorite manger scene for a Christmas tablescape. Add a few extra details and place it on top of a mirror to reflect the candle light. Napkins angled in the corner of the plate, show the Christmas tree pattern on the china.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

Another nativity set is the centerpiece of this tablescape. The muted colors of the nativity are accented by the burlap table-runner. The napkins are striped kitchen towels! Great idea!

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

The Christmas tablescape at this table revolves around a set of whimsical gingerbread china. The gingerbread house, in the center, lights up with cute characters all around it. Lots of details to entertain you at this table.  Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

A little wooden  church, surrounded with snow, looks so simple, but lovely as a centerpiece.  Add a few greens, white floral stems and artificial poinsettias to accent this little church. The snow has battery operated lights under it so it gives light to the table.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

Notice the poinsettia accented clothespins that are attached to a little favor for each guest.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

Santa Lucia dolls, a Swedish custom, decorate the center of the table. Five tall, red votive holders surround the figures. (I apologize for the red candle that is blocking the second figure.) Do you know the story of Santa Lucia?

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

The last one is the beautiful table decoration for the punch table. While it is not complete with china, I wanted to include it as well for more inspiration. Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 

I hope you enjoyed this series of Christmas Tablescapes with all these creative ideas. Whether it is fancy or plain, elegant or simple, new or recycled, you can make a beautiful table for your family and guests for your Christmas entertaining.

 

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Thanks for stopping by. 

Have a very special Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus!

Phyllis

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Snowflake Ornament Craft for Toddlers

Preschool projects require something quick and easy to be successful. This Snowflake Ornament Craft fits that description. It works for both a home or school project. Not only is it quick and easy, but it is very inexpensive, too! I came across these items at the Dollar Tree and thought it would make an easy project for preschoolers. 

Snowflake Ornament Craft for Toddlers grandparentsplus.com

 

Materials Needed:

Snowflakes  (6 for $1.00 at Dollar Tree)

Winter Sticker Books ($1.00 at Dollar Tree)

Snowflake Ornament Craft for Toddlers grandparentsplus.com

Place a large sticker in the middle (snowman, penguin, etc.).  Add small snowflake stickers on the points.

This will help keep them busy while you’re getting dinner ready. There’s no glue involved and they can decorate both sides. Put them up in a window, hang on the tree, or hang from a chandelier. The Snowflake Ornament will look great through January.

Snowflake ornament Craft for Toddlers grandparentsplus.com

For $2.00, toddlers can have a lot of fun and make several.

Enjoy!

Phyllis

 

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Easy Tree Ornament

This is probably the most inexpensive and quick tree ornament that anyone can make. The choice of color depends on your own Christmas decor. This ornament is linear so it adds a different dimension from the round balls and other decorations. It, also, adds an extra bit of sparkle to your tree.

 

Easy Tree Ornament grandparentsplus.com

The materials are few….

Just one 6 foot strand of glittered bead garland – any color!

1 package of ornament hooks.

Easy Tree Ornament grandparentsplus.com

Cut the bead garland to the length that you want for your icicle-like ornaments. The bead lengths do not ravel, but stay together.  My bead lengths were 12 beads long. 

Place the end of the ornament hook around the first section of the beads. 

Hang on tree! 

It adds so much extra color, sparkle, and dimension.  

I’ll bet this is the easiest ornament you could make for your tree, right?

Easy Tree Ornament grandparentsplus.com

This is just a fun, quick, easy tree ornament for your Christmas tree. 

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2

Looking for some more inspiration for beautiful Christmas tablescapes ?  Well, you came to the right place. Individual women from our church created these tablescapes for our annual Christmas Extravaganza. The tables are amazing! Each year, I think that they really can’t come up with more wonderful ideas, but they do! The entire event is a beautiful Christ-filled celebration of the birth of our Savior. It’s a wonderful way to start off the Christmas season.

Ready to see Part 2? If you missed Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 1, be sure to click on it, too.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

You don’t always think of “pink” for Christmas, but this tablescape looks dreamy using pink, white, and gold. A soft feather boa with pink hydrangeas and sparkly gold trees all add up to a wonderful centerpiece display.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 2 grandparentsplus.com

The individual place-settings are beautiful and inviting.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

Here’s a blue and gold tablescape featuring a white tree with small blue and gold balls. It is simple, yet elegant.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

A poinsettia arrangement highlights this table along with gold and black china, goblets, and chargers. Napkins are tied with a pretty gold bow.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

White, silver, and blue are the color combinations of this table. Pretty silver floral sprays are placed in three painted bottles. Each place-setting has a different cup and saucer!

Christmas Tablescapes part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

Gingerbread and apples! The theme is carried through from the red and green apple china. Amber goblets look great with this china. Wooden Santas surround the centerpiece.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

Do you love cardinals? They are such a beautiful bird and the cardinal theme is carried throughout this tablescape. The table-runner has cardinals on it and at each place-setting is a cardinal tin with some home-made goodies for the guests.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

You see a lot of birch accents at Christmas. This tablescape is elegant with lots of woodsy accents. The napkin rings are made of wood, too. The combination of browns and blues look great together.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

Lime green poinsettia blooms really set off this table. The dark green evergreen plants around it are a nice contrast.  The napkins have a spring of evergreen tied with silver roping.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

Among the candle centerpiece, a collection of teacups and a teapot are nestled in the evergreens to welcome the guests. Looks like a tea party is about to happen.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2

 

Each glass votive in this centerpiece is encircled on the outside by red berries. Sparkly silver pines with red balls create a colorful base for this tablescape. 

 

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparenstplus.com

I love the way the silverware, tied with a red bow, is displayed on the plate.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

Do you know the story of the icicle? This centerpiece is made of evergreens, gold painted branches, lights and icicles.

Christmas Tablescapes 2015-Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

This is the legend……

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

At each place-setting, this little reminder of the evening is for each guest.

 

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

 

 

Christmas Tablescapes 2015 part 2 grandparentsplus.com

I’ve said this before, but I think a lovely table not only creates a beautiful greeting for your guests, but also makes the food taste even better! 

I hope you enjoyed seeing these Christmas tablescapes. Stay tuned for Part 3!

Have a blessed Christmas season!

Phyllis

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Christmas Salad Recipe

This is an old recipe that I remember my mom making at Christmas time so I renamed it Christmas Salad. The real name of “Spinach and Apple Salad” just didn’t sound exciting enough for such a wonderful salad.

Christmas Salad Recipe grandparentsplus.com

Fresh greens with red apples looks so colorful . Drizzled with an orange dressing and other goodies, it may sound different, but tastes wonderful! Don’t just limit it to holiday time, but make this anytime as a compliment to your meal. It’s a great use for those apples in the fall, too.

I like to make this salad on individual plates so everyone gets all the ingredients. It makes a tasty and beautiful salad course presentation with the reds and greens. From the original recipe, I added the feta cheese and almonds.

 

Christmas Salad Recipe
Recipe Type: Salad
Author: Phyllis @ grandparentsplus.com
Prep time:
Total time:
Colorful, delicious, and unique with an orange dressing!
Ingredients
  • Spinach along with other greens
  • red apples (my mother used Delicious apples with their deep red color)
  • Bacon – Cut in squares, fry and drain
  • 1 cup mayo
  • Feta cheese (optional)
  • Sliced almonds
  • Orange Juice concentrate
Instructions
  1. Combine spinach, apples, and bacon in a bowl or arrange on individual salad plates.
  2. Combine orange juice concentrate with mayo until just light orange and mix with salad or pour on top of individual salads
  3. Sprinkle Feta cheese and sliced almonds on top.

Adding orange concentrate to the mayo…..   just a few tablespoons per cup makes an unusual, but tasty dressing.

Christmas Salad grandparentsplus.com

Mix until a light orange color….

Christmas Salad grandparentsplus.com

 

Recipe without bacon….

Christmas Salad Recipe grandparentsplus.com

 

Recipe with bacon…..

Christmas Salad grandparentsplus.com

Add this recipe to your salad collection. So pretty, yet, so delicious! 

Enjoy! 

Phyllis

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