Clock theme New Years

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think, "New Year's Eve"?   I think of a clock that's about to strike midnight!  If you know me well, then you know I'm a very affectionate person.  For me, the best part of the whole evening , is smooching with my loved one, when the clock strikes twelve!
In honor of this special event, {midnight} we made this clock cake.  We used a Betty Crocker confetti cake mix.  Later we decorated it with numbers and clock hands, made from melted chocolate!

We also made these cupcakes 

Cupcakes are waaaay more fun decorate and EAT, don't ya think?

p.s. if you've been following my blog then you know cake decorating isn't my forte.

Therefore, I ask you to please forgive my poor piping skills

In keeping with tonight's theme, I threw together this clock dip for the kiddos! 

The adult version has lots of yummy ingredients but my jewels prefer it simple{ aka mostly cheese}

Right now as I write this post, 2/3 kids are napping {I'll take what I can get}
They may still crash and burn around 10pm, but here's hoping we can all have a BIG group hug at midnight! 

I hope you have someone special to kiss and hug tonight!
If not....wait...let me get some red lipstick on...{smack}...kisses from me

Happy New Year Everyone

Welcome 2011

I have one problem that I can't seem to solve!  How do I stop him from growing?

I look at this picture and I want to cry.  Why?  Because I realize, someday, this hat will actually fit him! Waaaaaaa!

Decorated Wine Glasses For The Kids

Hello again friends,

Just taking a break from a very busy holiday week to say hi and send holiday hugs your way!

 

The Christmas adrenaline continues to propel us, as we gear up for our New Year's eve celebration.
On the menu for friday night~Good food, fun, family and friends! Very cliche but truly the most important components of a great party!

Right now, I'm on the hunt for these puppies

Single portion wine glasses~Genius

Wouldn't this be a great product review?  Nothing but compliments after 3 glasses of Riesling!

I'd love to have a few handy for New Year's eve, but so far, I'm not having much luck finding them locally.

Today we started prepping for our low-key, kid-friendly, New Year's eve party.

The kids are very excited to be drinking from these plastic wine glasses that they helped decorate.

 Did you get a glimpse of the cute wine charms.  I had to scream when I unwrapped these wine glass jewels.  They're sooooo pretty!  This picture doesn't do them justice, I swear. {plus the fact, they're twisted around a plastic glass} I'm easily amused as you can see!


We also had fun making these edible party hats.  We dipped some ice cream cones in melted chocolate and decorated them with sprinkles.  Very cute don't ya think?

What do you have planned for New Year's Eve?  BTW-anyone know where I can score some of  those single portion wine glasses? Tomorrow we plan on making some jello shooters for the kids and the adults!

The Nativity According To My Five Year Old

I had a nice chuckle when I  found Opal's version of the Nativity.
Every Christmas I dust off the porcelain nativity set and proudly display it, in honour of Jesus's birthday.  Last year a few pieces broke.  I thought I would purchase a new set this year, once everything went on sale.  Apparently Opal didn't want to wait.  He took it upon himself to create his own version of the Nativity by using toys from the toy box. {Keep in mind he's 5 and he's a boy}

It's what I call, "Nativity meet Noah's Arc meets Evolution".  I'm pretty sure dinosaurs did not attend the birth of Jesus and if I'm not mistaken, Jesus wasn't a monkey.  Nevertheless, the key concepts are there.  I love that he thought to use straw, from a barn set he has, to place in the manger.  Kinda looks like the cow is about to eat his lunch.

Anyway, I hope you take time to think about the TRUE meaning of Christmas!  

Merry Christmas Everyone

Gift Wrap Post

Have you finished your shopping yet?

If so, then you know what comes next.  The daunting task of wrapping everything!
Anyone interested in a stress-free Christmas morning?
Stress-free Christmas morning?  What?  Impossible!
Well maybe not stress-free, but hopefully I can help minimize the caos that is synonymous with opening gifts by sharing my gift wrapping secret.
Come closer because I don't share my secrets with just anyone!

Shhhhhhhh.....Ready?

 

The secret to a stress-free Christmas morning lays in the gift wrapping procedure.  I learned this trick awhile ago and it works!  Really!  It works!!  You see, kid's have absolutely NO patience on Christmas morning.   When they loose their patience, you'll loose yours.  Kids want what's in the box as soon as the wrapping  comes flying off.  That's why it's important to assemble the toy and toss those cumbersome twist tie thingys before you wrap the present. 

BTW, check out this wrapping paper I found at Costco

 
It's great because, not only is it heavy weight, but it also has a grid on the back that makes wrapping easier.  This is our SANTA paper!  Santa paper is top secret stuff.  All the Santa gifts are wrapped in Santa's special paper.  It's hidden from prying eyes until Christmas morning.

Wondering what you can do with some of your left over paper?

        I  lined the back of a picture frame with Christmas wrapping.  And Voila, instant gift!

One last thing before I get back to my Christmas wrapping marathon.  I want to pass on this neat post!  Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) is showing off her creative gift wrapping ideas here.
I love the snowman idea~

   

Rum and Eggnog French Toast

Last week we sipped on some Candy Cane Shooters, this week we're celebrating the holidays with
Rum and Egg Nog French Toast.  Yes, that says Rum and Egg Nog French Toast!!  Yum!
As always, there is a kid-friendly option. 

Did anyone watch Iron Chef America last night?  The secret ingredient was Egg Nog. {Luv that show}
Every year I purchase a carton of Egg Nog during the holidays and every year I end up throwing most of it out.  I enjoy a sip or two but can't stomach a whole carton. This year I decided to use up the left over Egg Nog by incorporating it in the french toast we had for supper tonight.

All I can say is, "Melt in your mouth, rich, buttery goodness"
You have to try this recipe


2 eggs
1/2 C. store bought egg nog
2 T. spiced rum (optional)
1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice (or 1/8 t. cinnamon plus 1/8 t. nutmeg)
6 slices bread (I used thick french bread)

Whisk together eggs, egg nog, rum and spices. Heat a griddle. Dredge bread in egg mixture.{I say that like I know what I'm talking about. For non-culinary peeps like me, "Dredge" simply means to dunk or soak something} Butter the hot griddle and place soaked bread on the griddle. Cook on each side until golden brown. Serve with butter and powdered sugar or syrup.
 ~The rum is optional. If you leave it out (like I did because it was just me and the kids tonight) then try adding 1/2 t. vanilla in it’s place. 

Wouldn't these be great for Christmas morning?  

Super simple and everyone{including the kiddos}are sure to enjoy!

{Santa's Magical Key}

How does Santa access your house?  

We make it easy for Santa to drop off presents by leaving him a {Magical Key}

On Christmas eve we hang this {Magical Key} on the front door knob.  This way Santa can enter our house without having to burn his britches, while sliding down our chimney.  Only Santa can use this {Magical Key}!  It won't work for anyone else!! When Santa is done using it, he hangs it on the Christmas tree and then sneaks into our kitchen for a quick nibble.  

Attached to the{Magical Key}is this poem

Take this "Magic Key" tonight

Hang it on your door so tight

Santa's on his way to you

in his sleigh with presents too,

He tip toes in, not missing a house

Jolly old Guy, Quiet as a mouse

Whispering magic and joy in each Child's Ear

Comes to deliver some Holiday Cheer! 

Last Minute Gift Idea! Reindeer Fudge

Does anyone see a common theme with my posts lately?  "Last Minute" everything.  Are you getting the impression that I leave everything until crunch time?  I'll let the jury decide!

I recently came across this very creative Reindeer Chocolate Bar post.  Really cute don't ya think?

The Reindeer Chocolate Bars post inspired me to make my own version.
I decided that homemade fudge would be a lovely gift to give.  Everyone loves creamy, smooth homemade fudge, right?

                                                                          Prepare Fudge

Then simply add some pipe cleaner antlers, a red pom pom nose and googly eyes! 

Voila, instant gift in less than 5 minutes 

Glass of milk anyone?

Introducing Pearl

Have you met Pearl yet?  She's the 3rd jewel added to my crown.  Pearl is actually her blog name, and in many ways, this name is quite reflective of who she is outside the blogsphere.{It's also her birthstone}  She's vibrant, round and completely precious.

  

She's also, more destructive then any tornado that's ever ripped across the fields of "Tornado Alley". 

I'm thankful for her captivating eyes because her high pitched screams can break the window panes of any century home. 

She is a big believer in daily skin treatments~oatmeal and yogurt to be exact.  She hasn't actually been to a therapist yet, but I'd bet my left kidney in saying she has Lachanophobia aka veggie paranoia.  

Somehow, unbeknowst to me, she has taken the stance that all vegetables have been laced with poison.  

Her boycott of certain foods has no end in sight, therefore, I continue to somewhat entertain her love affair with carbohydrates.{and chocolate chips in a tea cup}

Her favorite activity is

                               ...a good ole fashion game of "hide n seek"!

She is and always will be my baby girl!  Say hello to Pearl everyone!

Be Inspired

It's another insanely busy week around here my friends.  Today,  I'm refusing to feel guilty for not posting my own original material.  Instead, I'm allowing myself to "stay calm and be inspired" by all the other amazing bloggers throughout the blogosphere.
I subscribe to many different blogs and I'm constantly fascinated by everyone's creativity!  High five to all my blogger pals out there!  You Rock!

Check it out, here are a few posts that I've come across recently that have inspired me!  

Christy from "Glitter To Gum Drops" posted this adorable cookie cutter wreath

                                                                            {source}

                                                                         

Check out this great craft project by Courtney at "A Diamond In The Stuff"

                                                                      {source}
                             

{source}

{source}

{source}

{source}

Once I tend to my bruises, from the over zealous parents at the kids' Christmas concert last night, then I 'll be back at the creativity block again!  

Treat your party guests to a candy cane shot glass slider

Hosting a Christmas party?  Why not kick it off by serving your guests a candy cane shooter when they walk through the door?  Yep, that's how we roll around here! Christmas parties are much more enjoyable when everyone's had a drink or two.  I'm sure my family would agree so no insult implied.  Let me explain, 10 adults and 17 grandchildren cramped in someone's house for several hours on Christmas day.  We've all developed our own coping strategies!! 

The image above is actually the kid friendly version.  This way the kids don't feel left out!  

Candy Cane Sliders { Kid Friendly Version}

• 1 tbsp of strawberry ice cream topping on the bottom of a shot glass
• 1 spoon full of natural vanilla bean infused double churned ice cream
• top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes or candy cane bark

{Just in case your wondering why I didn't use candy cane ice cream.  It's just not that good!  Trust me!  It's too overpowering and tastes too chemically processed.  A hint of candy cane is lots, in my opinion.
If you must, I suggest mixing your own crushed candy cane into a good quality vanilla ice cream.  If your kids enjoy the store bought candy cane ice cream, then by all means go for it}.


Candy Cane Shooters {Adult Version}

• 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1/2 oz  peppermint liqueur
• 1/2 oz cream
• 1 dash grenadine syrup

Pour ingredients into shaker with ice, shake, and serve in a 2-oz shot glass.  You can add a dallop of ice cream and whipped cream as well.  ( Don't put too much grenadine or it will kill the taste. It's only there for color).

{Clink}Cheers!

Reshaping Candy Canes

Not sure why I didn't think of this years ago, but I'm glad someone did! What am I talking about?
Reshaping candy canes of course.

Check out this post by Marie at Make and Takes.

Are you brave enough to try this?

Heat your candy canes in the oven at 250 degrees for 5-10 minutes.  Watch them closely because things can go horribly wrong, very quickly (speaking from experience).
What cute things would you make if you were reshaping a candy cane?  Does anyone know why a candy cane is shaped like a cane? 

Starbucks Ginger Molasses Cookie Recipe Is The "Cookie Of The Week"

This week I've been searching for the perfect Ginger Molasses cookie recipe.  The ultimate cookie with crispy edges and a chewy center.  Good news folks, I found one worth trying!
Starbucks Ginger Molasses Cookie Recipe is pretty darn close to the cookies they sell in their stores. 

I baked a batch today and I'll admit they're simply scrumptious!
This recipe was actually worth printing and filing in my junk drawer, for future reference. 

Alright friends, here it is





Starbucks Ginger Molasses Cookie Recipe

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon clove (optional)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 extra-large egg
• 1/4 cup regular  molasses
• granulated sugar (for coating cookie dough before baking)
• vegetable oil cooking spray (for coating) (optional)

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees with the rack in the center. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves into a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl with mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. With mixer on medium speed, beat in the egg and molasses, then increase the speed to high and beat about 1 minute longer, until the mixture no longer looks curdled. Scrape the sides with a rubber spatula several times while mixing.
4. Mix in the flour mixture on low speed. The batter will be rather stiff. Place some granulated sugar on a small plate or saucer. Use a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop or a measuring cup to form 1/4-cup portions of dough. (Spray the cup or scoop with the optional non-stick vegetable spray to make it easier to release the dough.) Transfer the dough to your hands and roll each portion into a rough ball, then roll each ball into the sugar. Place six sugared balls on each baking sheet, spacing them evenly, because they will spread during baking.
5. Dampen your fingers with water and press down lightly on each cookie to flatten it a little and dampen the top. Refrigerate one filled baking sheet while the other bakes.
6. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and are firm to the touch. Rotate the sheet 180 degrees halfway through the baking time. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet.
7. Note: This dough can be frozen for slice-and- bake cookies. Just roll into a log 2-1/2 inches thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and then in foil. Can be stored in the freezer up to 6 months.

Announcing the winners of my Tim Hortons gift cards

Congrats to the following winners!

1.  CJ left this comment, " would love a new camera for Christmas this year"
2.  Kendra T started following Three Jewels In My Crown on Facebook
3.  Wendy F is also following my blog posts on Facebook
4.  Julie became a Google Friends Connect Follower
5.  Leann also started following Three Jewels In My Crown via GFC

I have notified all the winners, who will receive their Tim Hortons gift cards ASAP.
Thanks to all those who entered

Last minute gift idea. Dust Pan Cookies

I recently discovered this cute gift idea, so I had to try it out.  It's called Dustpan Cookies.

While baking you some cookies,
there was knocking at the door.
As I jumped up to answer it,
the pan fell to the floor.

I stood among the cookie crumbs
and wondered what to do.
The day was late, the time was short,
I had no gift for you.
I bent and swept the cookies up
into a small dustpan.
A friend like you, I told myself,
would surely understand.

The gifts that matter most in life
are those the heart does send.
With that in mind, I give to you
these cookies from a friend.

The idea is rather funny don't you think?  You can download the pdf  file here.

I'm not sure who will end up with this batch, but I'm sure it'll be someone with a sense of humor.
This lovely pink, polka dot dustpan was purchased from a local dollar store and cleaned well before adding these, dare I say it, store bought cookies!  {Gasp~She bought the cookies}
What?  Don't judge me for not baking them myself.   The title of this post wouldn't read "last minute gift idea" if I had to fire up the oven.

So... why not make some dustpan cookies for a neighbor or secret santa?
    

Tim Hortons Giveaway Contest

I was recently contacted by a little coffee shop company.  You may have heard of them.  They're called Tim Hortons!!  I've mentioned Tim Hortons in some of my past posts.  Including this post, which caught the eye of a Tim Hortons representative.  Thanks to Tim Hortons, I'm able host today's giveaway contest.
I'm very excited to be able to offer five lucky readers a chance to win a Tim Hortons gift card worth $5.00
Let me repeat that~ Five gift cards for Five followers worth Five dollars each. {sounds like a pizza commercial}
Your odds are good people and so is Tim Hortons coffee.

In fact, I plan on giving away several Tim Hortons gift cards as Christmas gifts this year.
Gift cards are a great gift to give and a great gift to receive.  Just ask one of my favorite bloggers,  Kate from This Mom Loves.  She recently put together a post titled, "What Teachers Really Want For Christmas".
She would know what teachers really want because she is one, a teacher that is!  So, hop on over and check out her super informative post.
 
Whenever I give a gift card to someone, I take time to personalize it and make certain it leaves a lasting impression with the recipient.

This is the gift Sapphire will be giving her teacher this year.  We personalized it by adding this cute chalkboard gift tag.  Sapphire got involved by creating the "thumbprint snowman" art on a mini canvas board.
 I picked up these supplies from the local $ store.

OK, so are you feeling lucky?  Here is how you can win one of the gift cards. 

• Tell me what you want from Santa this year
• Leave a comment on any of my past post
• Become a Follower via Google Friends Connect
• Follow me on Twitter
  {it's also important to leave me a comment to tell me that you're following 3 Jewels and/or my twitter account.  I also need a source to contact you in the event you win}

This contest is open until December 7, 2010 2400hrs est.  The winners will be announced and contacted on December 8, 2010.  All Canadian and U.S. residents are free to enter.

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!