Granola: The most original Hostess Gift

A couple of weeks ago we had some friends over for a visit.  It was nothing special just a weekend with friends we hadn't seen in a few months.   We were not expecting our guest to bring anything, but both couples actually did.  One of them brought a swing for the two kids, and the other a very interesting homemade granola. 

That morning when we called one of them to ask at what time they expected to arrive (they had a 2 hour journey), they told us that they were about to leave but they hadn't yet because they were waiting for our gift to "cool down".  We didn't think much of it except that maybe they were bringing some sort of cake or dessert.

Well, you can imagine our surprise when our hostess gift was giftwrapped and still a little warm.  It was also heavy and obviously inside some sort of jar.  I was so curious, and when I opened it, to my surprise, I saw granola on a simple but beautifully looking airtight canister that had a decorative tulip napkin on top.  Wow! that was a totally different, original, unexpected, and as we later realized, delicious hostess gift. 

So my homemade granola is about to be finished off as we have it for breakfast all the time but I can't go back to store bought granola anymore.  The homemade version was just too good, besides I really want to give it a go in trying to make my own.  I still have to search a few recipes, give it a few trials and adapted it to suit me and my family, but once I have it all figured out I'll post the recipe here.  I can't wait!

PS:  It will definetely be oatmeal based

Vintage Combs to Enhance Hairstyles

I love hair combs but don't find many out there that I really like, so decided to make my own.  I wanted to go with a vintage look, so I chose ribbon and feathers.
Follow the instructions below to create your own combs... which could accomodate to different occasions and styles including romantic or modern wedding hair styles

First, fold the ribbon (approximately on a 45 degree angle) so the back of the folded piece is against the back of the rest of the ribbon.

Then start folding the front, so the front of the ribbon touches the front of the rest of the ribbon. The angle should be tighter in the center and looser on the edges to create a circumference with the ribbon (In some cases it's easier to use pins to hold the fabric in place).

Continue to do this until you overlap the starting point by at least 1/4 of the way (you can continue for 2 or 3 rounds if you wish).

Once you are happy with the flower shape, cut the ribbon from the roll and fold it in, so you can't see the unfinished edge.

Stitch at the center of the flower in such a way that you hold ALL folds in place.

Add beads in the center to cover the stitching from before.

You can layer flowers with different fabrics to create texture. Just make sure the bottom flower is made with a wider ribbon. Add feathers and other embellishments, and make sure you stitch them in place.

 

Stitch the comb on the back of the flower and your vintage comb is done!

Canvas on easel...a gift idea

This post is for a gift idea or decoration project to do with the kids even the really young ones. 

I completed this project with my son who is 2.5 and we were done within 30 minutes.  The nice thing about it is that its really inexpensive (not more than $5 if you already have the markers) and the materials are easy to get.  I found the mini canvas and easel at a craft store here in Brussels called AVA and the markers at one of the bigger Carrefour stores.  I'm sure that in the States you can find everything at Walmart, Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

As they were so quick to make, my son had no problems with making two of the same time so we used them as mother's day gifts for both grandmothers.

You will need:

-blow markers

-canvas (small)

-easel (small)

-kitchen paper

-paint (optional)

Set out matching markers' colors and let the kids blow on the markers directly on the canvas.

Once you are happy with the colors and amount of paint, pat dry the excess with some kitchen paper.

Let it dry and paint the easel with a matching color or leave it natural wood. 

What do you think?