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

Feeling Like Fall

With Fall now upon us, what better way to welcome the changing seasons than with these cool weather essentials?!
No. 1 - the perfect coffee mug | No. 2 - an adorable tea towel | No. 3 - creative crock | No. 4 - weekender tote | No. 5 - a scarf for every outfit | No. 6 - tasty tea

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Jessica of Jessica Tierney Designs | Photos © Terrain}

Photo cards coming soon!

Peaceful Under the Pier - 5x7 folded card

Other photo cards available soon as well!

DIY: Making Mozzarella

About a week or two ago, Tim and I thought it would be fun to make our own mozzarella at home. It's really much easier than you think! There was a very simple recipe to follow in this book Home Cheese Making that I would definitely recommend. But I must add, since it was our first attempt "30 Minute Mozzarella" kind of turned into "45 Minute Mozzarella" but I didn't mind because it all worked out in the end. We've made it once more since our trial run (with a few adaptations) and it keeps getting better. It's so gratifying to know we made our own cheese! Another bonus? It's definitely a very fun at-home date night activity. :)

Pics from Pennsylvania

  I can't believe it's already been a month since our trip to PA.  My how time flies.

For The Gardener

There's just nothing like getting a little bit of dirt under your nails. Use this gardening round-up as a guide for gardening gifts and great tools for your own growing endeavors!

Clockwise: Vintage Silver Garden Marker- $22; Herb Scissors-£13.50; Watering Can Apron- $30; April Showers-  £12; Herb and Flower Dryer- £15.50; Hyacinth Herb Vases- £18.50; Gardener's Soap- $7, Frolic in the Fernwood- $375


{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Bonnie of Going Home to Roost | Images © linked sources}

Shoes With a Cause

Did you know your next cute pair of shoes can have a greater purpose than just aesthetics? The following shoe companies have some great selections and even greater causes behind what they do.
1} TOMS gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased.
2} Civic Duty Shoes designed a special New Orleans themed shoe where each sale goes to benefit the Common Ground Relief effort in New Orleans.
3} CHIPKOS protects 100 square feet of rain forest for each pair of shoes you buy.
4} Sseko Designs is a not-just-for-profit company that helps women in Uganda earn tuition for higher education, while contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.
{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Meagan of Defining Motherhood | Photos © listed sources}