DIY Gift: Hot Chocolate and Chai Drink Mixes

Looking for a great homemade holiday gift? Try these delicious drink mixes. They are perfect for hostess gifts, teachers, friends and even yourself. Make them extra special (and fun) by packaging them in cute containers with creative labels.

Hot Chocolate Mix
4 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1½ cups sugar
1 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 (4 oz) package instant chocolate fudge pudding
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend together for a smooth consistency. Store in an airtight container. Mix 3 or 4 heaping spoons full to a cup of hot water or milk.
For gift giving, top mix with marshmallows, broken candy canes, white chocolate chips, etc.

Homemade Chai Mix (my personal favorite)
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla powdered non-dairy creamer
2½ cups white sugar
1½ cups unsweetened instant tea
2 tsp ground ginger
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
¼ tsp pepper
Place all ingredients in a food processor. Blend until it creates a fine powder. Add 2 or 3 heaping spoons full to a cup of hot water or milk.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Meagan of Defining Motherhood | Photos © Meagan Church}

10 Ways to Fight Seasonal Sniffles

Sadly, it's that time of year again. Sniffles, sneezes and sick ones are around every corner, oh no! To stay on top of your health and fight the seasonal sniffles, here are a few winter wellness essentials:

{Untitled by Yvette Inufio}

There are several ways to stay well when the odds are against you. Here are a few favorite, tried-and-true methods:
1. Pound the green tea. That’s right, get to steeping! With it’s immune-enhancing boosters, green tea is known to help fight colds and reduce flu symptoms.
2. Neti. Do you use a neti pot? it’s a simple way to irrigate the nasal passages with unbeatable results. It’s safe, easy and soothes the lining of your nose as it removes the excess mucus that lingers in the sinuses as fertile grounds for infections and bacteria.
3. Up your Vitamin C. Consider increasing your Vitamin C intake. Taking an Emergen-C is always a quick and easy way to do this.
4. Hydrate. Simply staying hydrated by drinking lots of water will help you feel better and wash your cold away.
5. Stay warm and rest. Pay attention to your body and rest if you feel tired. A simple ceramic heater can help keep you warm and toasty no matter where you go!
6. Eat lots of garlic. Garlic has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help ward off minor infections.
7. Eat honey. Honey is great for soothing a sore throat. Try adding some to your tea, or melting 2 teaspoons in a mug of hot water to sip on.
8. Avoid phlegmy foods. That is sugar, white flour, wine, dairy and red meat- as these enhance the build up of mucus.
9. Gargle. Gargle with warm salt water to help soothe and heal sore throats.
10. Eat some soup. Eat warming, nourishing foods such as good hearty veggie soup.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Bonnie of Going Home to Roost | Photo © Untitled by Yvette Inufio}

Rachel & Jeff - 11.05.11

 It was a beautiful, intimate ceremony and reception. And I was honored to have been there to capture it. Congrats to Rachel and Jeff!

Hello, November.

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”- Roald Dahl