Nursing Homes

 Have you ever thought of contacting a local nursing and seeing what residents might need?  Maybe some would like some lotions (free ones we get coupon for from B&B), what about skeins of yarn and knitting needles or crochet hooks, cross stitching items,  guys maybe some models to put together whittling items.

Of course, if they are allowed to have and I understand some can't do such things anymore but some can and just don't have to means or people to get it for them.

Jigsaw puzzles, search a word books, crossword books, Readers Digest, Guidepost etc they can read and do.

Strawberry Santa Hats

 White icing or whipped cream in spray can

mini brownies

strawberries

Cut off the top of the strawberry.

Using the frosting or whipped cream attach the strawberry to the top of the mini brownie with white showing around the rim like fur of the hat also.

Squeeze a dollop of icing or whipped cream to the top (pointed end) of the strawberry for a pompom/

Kids gift Ideal

 If you have any little or younger kids to buy for get a tote and fill it up with stuff to do crafts.

With the school supplies coming out can get paints, construction paper, colors, doodle pads, washable markers. rulers, scissors, etc.  Throw in coloring books, pipe cleaners.

Print off project pages or find little books of kids crafts to throw in.

Few Ideals

If you serve up lots of snack mixes at parties (chex mix, puppy chow, etc) put into a punch bowl or pretty crystal bowl, add a scoop and stack of snack size paper bags for people to help themselves.

If  you have some old buttons (relatives or not) go thru and pick out ones to make magnets for people.  There are all different sizes of magnets so you will be able to find the size you need to just hot glue unto back of button.  I am going to use the thread that comes on a spool and can crochet with and make x stitch in holes. 

An egg slicer will slice mushrooms, olives, strawberries, and bananas so fast and easy.

Savory Croutons--use cubes of day old bread and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Place on a sheet single layer and bake at 400 for about 10 minutes until toasty.

For Plant Lovers

If any of you have plants and family and friends that like plants----why not give them a start.  This is a good time to take a cutting and start new plants for them to be well established for Christmas.

Pots are going on clearance in some places or while it is summer you might have more of a choice of pots to choose from. Unless you go to your stash. 

What I wouldn't give for one of my Grandma's African Violets.  

It would such a great gift!!!

Raspberry Dip

 16 ounces cream cheese softened

1/2 cup raspberries (about 2 1/2 ounces)

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest --optional

In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth.  Scape into serving bowl.  Cover and put into fridge for at least 2 hours or more before serving.

I have use toothpicks and have put out pineapple chunks, pound cake cubes, vanilla wafers, pieces of chocolate bars, and assorted cookies to serve with it.

Quick Cheese Ball

 I just ran across this recipe this month so have yet to try it.  I think it sounds somewhat good.

1 8 ounce package cream cheese softened

1/2 cup salsa of your choice

8 ounce package of finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped nuts optional

Combine cream cheese and salsa till smooth.  Add shredded cheese and mix in.  Transfer cream cheese mixture into a bowl lined with saran wrap.  Cover and put in fridge until firm. Take out and roll in chopped pecans if using. Maybe even thinly sliced green onions to roll in if not using nuts.  Rewrap and store in fridge till time to use.

Makes 10-12 servings.