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do you know a terrific teacher?

May 21, 2013
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As the school year draws to a close, it’s time to remember those that have spent countless hours educating our future generation.

diy teacher gifts ideas

Clueless about what to do? Here are a few clever  ideas with free printables to get you started…

Head on over to the Lines Across Blog to download this free printable card–a heartfelt handwritten note is always appreciated!

 We stumbled across this Thank You Teacher Sleeve on the Alpha Mom Blog. These printable sleeves are easy to make and fit around the small (kid size) cup from Starbucks. They’re the perfect way to present a gift card.

The folks over at the eighteen25 blog designed this original Subway Art that any teacher would love to hang in their classroom. Download and print your copy here, then put it in a pretty frame or fancy clipboard.

golf teacher printable

Does your teacher play golf? Fill a couple of mason jars with golf ball and tees, add these printables from The Creative Cubby and you will be good to go!–this one is fantastic for male teachers that are hard to buy for.

Melissa from the Bargain Shopper Mom came up with this cute free printable to complete a most refreshing gift for any teacher.  Fill a travel glass with a delicious drink mix packet or tea bags, and top with a bow. How easy is that?

You can turn a simple bag of candy into something really special with these free labels from The Girl Creative. Bonus~after the candy is all gone, the jar can be re-used on a desk for storing paper clips or other classroom supplies.

Bake up a batch of delicious cookies, stack them in a mason jar and include this cute note from Club Chica Circle for a memorable and tasty gift!

Like clever gift ideas that get noticed?  We love sharing our finds. Don’t want to miss out on our future features… simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email in box.

creative wedding gifts that will be remembered

May 19, 2013
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Is your mail man delivering flowery shower invites or lovely lettered wedding invitations to your address?   ‘Tis the season for “I do’s” and we’ve got ya covered when it comes to giving sentimental gifts that will stand out from the blenders, pillow cases and stemware.

 
Your Girlfriend Just Got Engaged!


513 wedding engagement.jpg

1.  Keep that shiny ring in a safe spot when it can‘t be on your fourth finger with this pretty pewter ring holder $17.95

2.  This little wisdom celebrates couple-hood “When love adorns a home other ornaments are secondary” and is a perfect message for their new home together.  $33.50

3.  Bring out this bling ring bottle opener to toast the happy couple!  $9.95

4.  These little magnetic lovebird salt & pepper shakers will help keep the spice alive.  $13.95

5.  Personalized a cute handmade frame with their new last name. $21.50

6.  Get the bride off to a great start with 52 fabulous tips!  $6.95

 

For a Fun & Festive Wedding Shower
513 wedding shower fun and festive.jpg

1.  Create a magical moment to remember at the wedding shower with flying wish paper.  $10.95

2.  Might as well let the new mr. know this is usually how it goes with these humorous mugs.  $29.95

3.  Skip the standard grilling tools on their registry and wish them a rockin’ marriage instead! $21.95 each

4.  Put the couple to the test with these entertaining quiz books.  $5.95 each

5.  Laughter is an important ingredient to any marriage and this gurgle pot is good at creating giggles. $39.95

6.  Kitschy and cute are the perfect words to describe this kissing bride & groom salt & pepper shakers. $13.95

 
Personalized Keepsakes


513 wedding personalized.jpg

1.  This pretty print will ensure your husband won’t forget your special day.  $21.95 for 8×10  $38.95 for 11×14

2.  The bride & groom and pick their favorite photo from the day and display it in this handmade photo frame.  $40.50

3.  When this handmade book is filled with bits of wisdom & well wishes it will become an invaluable keepsake for the couple.  $30.00

4.  A special dress deserves a special hanger.  $25.00

5.  This photograph of a collection of vintage cash register parts is a most artful way to display a special date.  $49.95

 
Gifts They Will Remember


513 wedding sentimental.jpg

1.  Doesn’t this simple sign sum up what love is about?  $29.95

2.  A stylish handmade frame that is waiting to showcase a moment from a stunning day.  $37.50

3.  The wise words of Audrey Hepburn, “The best thing to hold on to is each other” will never expire.  $69.50

4.  This book is filled with stories, questions, ideas and insights that will bring couple-hood to the next level.  $15.95

5.  Include this key and share a few of your tips on creating a happy marriage.  $2.50

6.  Crack open this deck to find 52 terrific tips on keeping relationships alive and well. $6.95

Do you like giving gifts that are outside of the box? We’re happy to share some of our clever gift ideas.  Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.

 

crazy for lemon cream cake

May 17, 2013
By

Steve & I had the pleasure of having both our parents visit us for Mother’s day again this year.  This gave me a reason to play around with creating cute jar desserts for all of us to enjoy.  Last years mini no-bake cheesecakes were quite the hit, so I scoured high & low to find a pick that could compete.  The choice ~ lemon cream cake.

lemon cream cake in a jar

The original recipe called for creating this cake in a 10″ pan and cutting it in half to spread the lemon cream mixture between the two cakes.  I’m fairly certain if I tried this feat the cake would not turn out so pretty so I decided to break out my mason jars and create 8 individual cakes instead.

Here’s what you need:

1 pkg White Cake Mix, plus ingredients to prepare
1 pkg Lemon Cake Mix
½ cup Sour Cream
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Lemon, juiced + Zest from 1/2 the lemon
1 cup Whipping Cream
8 oz Mascarpone Cheese
1 cup Powdered Sugar
4 Tbsp Room Temp Real Butter

lemon cream cake recipe

Prepare the white cake mix as the box states and add the sour cream and vanilla.  Spray eight 8 oz wide mouth mason jars with a non-stick cooking spray and pour batter inside.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

mason jar cake recipe

Cut in the cake to create a space for the cream and remove top.   Cut off excess cake to create a flat cake top.  (These extra pieces are great for snacking and dipping in the magnificent cream you’ll be mixing up next!)

Beat the whipping cream, Mascarpone cheese, lemon juice, zest and powdered sugar until creamy and stiff.  (caution: splatter alert)  Also in case you were wondering… Mascarpone cheese is a fancy Italian cream cheese you can find in the specialty cheese section at most grocers.

Taste this mixture and you’ll want to dip anything and everything you can find in it.  I think this alone would make a fabulous fruit dip!

lemon jar cake recipe

Fill the center of your cakes with this cream and place the top cake back on. Then add a bit more of the cream for the frosting.  This next step I feel is optional but it does give it that extra punch of lemon taste.

Mix 1/4  of the lemon cake mix with 4 tablespoons of room temperature butter and sprinkle on top.

Once assembled I kept these in the fridge for storage & took them out an hour or so before serving.

lemon cream jar cake

I’m happy to say they were a hit with the moms and the dads too!  This is definitely a great light dessert (in taste… not in calories :-) that is perfect for a spring or summer party.

Like delicious recipes that will have your friends and family asking for more?  We love sharing our finds. Don’t want miss out on our future features… simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email in box.

 

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April McCrumb

I'm April McCrumb ~ a creative gal from Michigan that loves to share clever gift ideas, simple recipes, my favorite tunes & all things crafty.  Thanks for stopping by my whimsical world. I hope you enjoy your visit.

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