Gift ideas Festive links

Vegan Christmas or Yule - recipes and gift ideas . home to the Vegan Family House Vegan Christmas or Yule We love Christmas time or Yuletide (see our Winter Solstice page) - lights, colour, celebration, sharing, eating and drinking more than you really should ...in midwinter in Scotland this time is very welcome! The spiritual side of Christmas often goes a little unnoticed amid the mad rush of present buying, decorating and food preparation. Whether you celebrate the renewal of nature, friendship, gratitude to the Universe or the birth of Christ, it is a very integral part of this festival and very enriching to include this dimension to the day. Many traditions have played a part in forming Christmas as we know it today (commercialism included!). Here we detail the foods that we enjoy at this time - well, what do vegans eat at Christmas? All recipes are now available on printable pages (link by each recipe) or you can visit the master index of all the printable recipes from the whole site. Also further down we have a section on vegan present shopping. Savoury recipes Sweet recipes Gift ideas Festive links and Books Other food pages: Kitchen - Soups . Sauces and Dips . Salads . Main Courses . Cakes and Puddings Easter . Chocolate . Christmas/Yule . Vegan Cook Books . Food links . printable index Savoury festive recipes Cashew Nut Roast with Sage and onion stuffing A sixth of a cup/30g/1oz of vegan margarine 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped 1 medium leek, finely chopped 1 and a half cups of hot water 1 teaspoon of yeast extract (marmite, vegemite etc.) 3 cups/550g/16oz of ground cashew nuts (or other nuts of your choice - almonds work well too) 2 Tablespoons of soya flour 2 teaspoons of fresh herbs - winter savoury is great (if using dried 1 teaspoon) 3 cups/160g/6oz of white bread crumbs seasalt and pepper to taste sage and onion stuffing (see recipe further down the page) Melt the margarine (in a large pan for mixing) and cook the celery and leek in it for a few minutes. Mix the yeast extract into the hot water (alternatively you could use any stock you like) and add this to the leek and celery. Stir in the soya flour, nuts, herbs, breadcrumbs and salt and pepper and mix well. Allow to cool slightly while you grease a loaf tin. Place half the nut roast mixture in the tin and press down well - then add the sage and onion stuffing (pressing down well again) and place the rest of the nut roast mixture on top. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes at 180/360 then turn out of the tin and slice. Nice served with all the traditional trimmings. Variations:- you can substitute wine (red or white) or soya milk for the water and yeast extract. The sage and onion stuffing is optional - it works just as well without it and might actually slice up easier! A layer of sliced mushrooms and garlic is an alternative to the stuffing. Printable version Creamy mushroom Puff A third of a cup/60g/2oz of vegan margarine 4 tablespoons of plain white flour 1 onion 4 cloves of garlic, crushed or very finely chopped (this can be reduced or left out if desired) 3 cups of mushrooms, sliced half a litre/500ml of soya milk 1 glass of white wine (or stock) handful of chopped parsley salt and pepper to taste approx. 500g/18oz of frozen puff pastry (this even comes ready-rolled now for extra laziness!!!) Melt the margarine and cook the onion and garlic in it for a few minutes and then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a couple of minutes more. Add the flour and stir well. Gradually add the soya milk stirring all the time and then the wine and keep stirring on a low heat until the sauce thickens. Once thick remove from the heat and add your seasoning and the parsley. Allow to cool slightly while you prepare the pastry. Roll out into 2 wide rectangular shapes reserving some pastry for decoration. Place one sheet of pastry on a greased baking tray. Heap the slightly cooled sauce onto it leaving a space round the edges. Place the top sheet on and seal up the edges with some soya milk or water (fold over if needed). Make some small slits on the top of the puff and let your artistic side shine with the reserved pastry! I usually make holly leaves to place on the top but do whatever you like. Glaze with soya milk and then bake in a medium hot oven for about half an hour or until the pastry seems cooked (no soggy bits and nicely puffed up!) Nice served with gravy, roast potatoes, stuffing, vegan sausages, cranberry sauce and vegetables of your choice - a feast! Printable version ' NOW THATS WHAT I CALL A CHRISTMAS DINNER' MUSHROOM PARCEL by Catriona There are a few steps to this but most can be made a day ahead... in fact I normally assemble it all the evening before and then it is ready to go... Ingredients list: Mushroom Risotto 300mls/just over 1 cup rice approx. 600mls/2 and a quarter cups hot stock ( I use Kallo mushroom stock cubes) 1 onion, finely chopped couple of cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped Jar of antipasto mushrooms, minus a tbsp mushrooms (make sure they are vegan), drain and reserve the oil. big handful of chestnut mushrooms, sliced a few dried mushrooms, soaked in hot water and then finely chopped tsp dried oregano ( or fresh if you can) fresh basil, sliced Soyamince filling 1 cup defrosted vegemince or 1 cup rehydrated soya mince, remaining tbsp of mushrooms, enough sundried tomato puree to bind it together and some fresh basil Stuffing 1 onion finely chopped, 1 cup oats 1/2 cup suet, 1 tsp mixed herbs and some salt and pepper. Aprox. 500g./18oz of frozen, vegan puff pastry Preparation Mushroom Risotto Put some of the reserved mushroom oil in a pan and saute the onions and garlic until soft, add the rice and mix it all together. Add all the different mushrooms and the oregano if dried. Mix again and then gradually add the stock stirring constantly for that creamy risotto texture. More or less liquid may be needed. Add fresh herbs , mix and set aside. soyamince filling In a blender mix together approx. 1 cup defrosted vegemince or 1 cup rehydrated soya mince, remaining tbsp of mushrooms, enough sundried tomato puree to bind it together and some fresh basil Stuffing chop an onion finely and mix it with 1 cup oats to 1/2 cup suet,1 tsp mixed herbs and some salt and pepper. bind with a little water to form a sausage...be careful not to add too much water. Have ready some defrosted vegan puff pastry rolled out into a rectangle. Assembly Get the puff pastry and spread it lightly with sundried tomato paste and stick basil leaves on to this. Get the cooled mushroom risotto and spread it onto the pastry leaving room at all ends... you wont need all the risotto. On top of this place the soya mince filling and then place the stuffing sausage along the centre. Fold up the sides until they meet in the middle...hopefully!! If they are reluctant to stick down then brush with a little soya milk. Put on a baking tray. It is advisable, if possible, to raise the pastry parcel off the tray using a rack as I have found the bottom has a tendency to burn. You can now leave it until Christmas Day! To cook follow the temperature guide on the packet of puff pastry. Easy! Printable version Spinach-Tofu Manicotti by Secular Pagan Not exactly a traditional Yule/Christmas dish, but it's red, white, and green, so it fits. FILLING: (stuffs about ten manicotti "tubes") 1 pound/450g firm tofu, drained and rinsed 1 10-oz/300g box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, basil, sage) 3 green onions (scallions), including green part, sliced thinly 8 ounces/230g (more or less) white button mushrooms, chopped in big chunks PASTA: 1 package large manicotti tubes SAUCE: About 28 ounces/750g of your favorite pasta sauce, homemade or prepackaged Plop tofu into a medium-sized mixing bowl and mash/crumble with your hands. Add spinach and fold into tofu with a fork, using fork to break up strands of spinach and mix evenly with the crumbled tofu. Stir in Italian seasoning, onions, and mushrooms. Boil about 10 manicotti tubes just shy of al dente (they won't fall apart this way when you're stuffing them) and drain. Use your fingers to push clumps of filling into the manicotti tubes till each one is plump and full. Lay them in a covered casserole dish (more than one layer is O.K.) and pour your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce (homemade or bottled) over the whole thing. Cover and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour, maybe a little less (say, 45 minutes) if you have the manicotti spread out in a single layer. Remove from oven and give it a few minutes to cool off before attempting to eat. Note: I have to keep my sodium intake low, so I don't add salt to anything I make from scratch (except some baked goods), so some of you might prefer to add a. 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the filling. Printable version Cranberry, Orange and Ginger sauce 3/4 cup/150g/5oz sugar 1/2 cup/150ml/quarter pint of orange juice zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger (or half a teaspoon of dried ginger) 2 cups of fresh cranberries pinch of salt Place the cranberries, orange juice and ginger in a pan and simmer for about 10 minutes. Give the berries a mash and add the sugar, zest and salt. Cook gently until all the sugar is completely dissolved. The sauce will thicken up as it cools slightly. Nice served hot or warm with nut roast or mushroom puff and parcel. Printable version Cheat's nut roast rolls! Very simple if you buy a vegan packet mix for a nut roast and some frozen puff pastry! Simply make up the nut roast mix and place it in the puff pastry in roll shapes. Nice done like cocktail sausage rolls for serving with drinks. Bake in a medium oven for about 20 minutes. Sage and Onion Roast Potatoes 4 teaspoons of dried sage or 8 teaspoons of freshly chopped sage 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil 1 finely chopped onion 4 tablespoons of medium oatmeal Potatoes, peeled and cut to desired size (this coating is enough for about 4 or 5 lbs/2 or 3 kilos.) salt to taste Par boil the potatoes then just when they are beginning to soften remove from heat and drain. Place in baking tray and rub the coating all over them (careful!) - roast in a hot oven until nice and crispy (30 minutes plus). You might want to baste with a little more oil half way through for extra crispiness! Variation : sesame roast potatoes - coat the potatoes in sunflower oil and plenty sesame seeds before roasting - this has a lovely flavour too. Printable version Sage and Onion stuffing 6 slices of wholemeal bread half a cup/85g/3oz of vegan margarine 4 teaspoons of dried sage or 8 of fresh, chopped sage 1 finely chopped large onion salt to taste Melt the margarine in a saucepan and then cook the onion in it until soft. Break up the wholemeal bread with your hands (into fairly small pieces) and then mix into the onion and margarine with the sage and salt. This can be pressed into an oven-proof bowl for baking or if you like meat analogues it can be sandwiched between two Redwood Cheatin' Turkey Roasts (see below for turkey substitute links), wrapped in foil and baked in the oven! Printable version Skirlie (traditional Scottish oatmeal stuffing - quite bland, not to everyone's liking!) 1 cup of medium oatmeal 1 large onion, finely chopped 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil a little salt Cook the onion in the oil until soft and then stir in the oatmeal and salt and cook for a few minutes longer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking - then use as Sage and onion stuffing. Printable version top Sweet festive recipes Jewel Biscuits Delicious and colourful biscuits or cookies - the 'jewels' are optional but very bright and special - makes about 25 medium (3 inch/9cm) biscuits. 150g/5oz/three quarter cup caster sugar 150g/5 oz/three quarter cup vegan margarine 5 tablespoons of soya milk 300g/10 oz/1and a half cups of plain flour teaspoon vanilla extract (or according to pack instructions) boiled sweets - different colours is good Preheat oven to 200C/400F and grease baking sheets. Cream together the sugar and marg. Mix in the soya milk and vanilla and then the flour. The mixing of the flour is best done with your hands. You should have a workable dough (add more flour if it's too wet or more soya milk if too dry and doesn't hold together well). Roll out on a floured board (to just under 1 cm thick) and cut into shapes - cutters in festive shaped such as stars, trees and angels are lovely but plain round ones are effective too - you can use a drinking glass if you don't have cutters. Lay on baking sheets. Make a hole in the middle of each biscuit - plain round, diamonds, stars - whatever you like, as long as it is big enough for your sweet! Place a sweet in each hole. Bake for about 10 minutes for soft bake cookies or a little longer for dryer, crunchy ones. The sweets will melt down and fill the hole in the oven and then reset once cool. If you want these for tree decoration ONLY you can prelong their life by replacing the sugar in the recipe with salt and adding a couple of tablespoons of PVA glue to the mix (do not eat after doing this option!!) Prior to baking make a small hole in the top with a drinking straw - once cooked and cooled you can thread ribbons through for hanging. Printable version Easy, Last Minute Christmas Fruit Cake by Jean This cake has no added sugar or fat (suitable for a range of diets) but is still really sweet and rich. It should be stored in the fridge and eaten within one week. 8oz/250g/2 cups of cooking dates with the stones removed 10 fl.oz / 300ml/1 and a quarter cups of water (you could substitute a quarter cup of brandy or sherry for a quarter cup of the water if you like) 6oz/175g/1 and a quarter cups of wholemeal flour 1 lb/450g/3 cups of mixed dried fruit of your choice - including lots of dried apricots works very well 2 teaspoons of baking powder 1 teaspoon of mixed spice 4 tablespoons of orange juice For decoration: You can either do a traditional marzipan and white icing topping or use rows of different nuts such as walnuts, pecans, brazils and almonds. Heat the dates and water until the dates are soft. Remove from heat and mash with a fork. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. Spoon into a greased 2lb/900g cake tin and level top. If using the nut topping place rows of different nuts on top of the cake prior to cooking. Bake at 170C/340F for about an hour and a half until cooked. Once cooled the nut topping can be glazed with a little syrup (melt some sugar into hot water) or you can ice traditionally. Printable version Cranberry Ginger Bars by Luree Filling: 3 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries 3/4 cups each of raisins, dried apricots and crystallised ginger 1 lb/450g/3 cups of mixed dried fruit of your choice - including lots of dried apricots works very well 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup apple juice In a large saucepan combine all ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil over a medium heat. Stir for about 5 minutes or until the cranberries have popped. Let cool. Base and Topping: 2 cups flour 3/4 cups brown sugar 1 and a half teaspoons of ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon of salt 1 cup of margarine or vegetable shortening 1 cup of rolled oats 3/4 cup of raw sunflower seeds Mix all ingredients together. Set aside 1 and a half cups of crumb mixture for topping. Press the remainder into a 9" by 13" baking pan. Bake at 180C/350F for 15 minutes. Spread with cranberry mixture and sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Bake for another 30 minutes. Yummy! Printable version Chocolate Yule Log Cake (for people who can't do swiss roll!!) 1 chocolate cake baked in a loaf tin - basic chocolate cake recipe here (or 1 chocolate swiss roll if you can do it!!) 1 batch of vegan chocolate 'butter' icing: Beat together half a cup/130g/4oz vegan margarine with 1 and a third cups/210g/7 oz sifted icing sugar and one tablespoon of cocoa (also sifted to avoid lumps). Beat in a few drops of natural vanilla extract. 1 tablespoon of icing sugar for dusting 1 festive cake board or large plate and decorations of your choice (fake flowers or berries, holly leaves, small baubles etc.) Cake Assembly: Cut the corner off one end of the cake and turn it round to look like a branch (excuse rough drawing!) - arrange on the cake board or plate. Secure the branch with some of the icing. With a knife smooth off the corners of the log to make it rounded. Cover the entire cake with the rest of the icing, then use a fork to make lines and knots like a log :) Dust with icing sugar. Decorate to your hearts content. Printable version Little Chocolate logs 1 chocolate cake prepared in a large square tin so it will not be too deep ( visit the chocolate room if you need a recipe for this) vegan marzipan maya gold (preferably though any dark vegan choc. will do) icing sugar for dusting glace cherries and crystallised angelica for decoration or children might prefer Whizzers chocolate beans or other sweets Cut the cake into small rectangles ( 10 cm. X 4 cm. and 2 or 3 cm. deep). Cut thin pieces of marzipan and place on top of the cakes. Pour melted chocolate over the top of each log, decorate to your hearts content and then dust with the icing sugar (snow!). Printable version Easy chocolate-rum truffles Some left over cake, crumbled - about 2 cups 2 tablespoons of Apricot jam 2 tablespoons of rum (or rum flavouring) 1 teaspoon of cocoa 50g./2oz (half a large bar) of vegan chocolate, melted Coating of choice - cocoa, chopped nuts, coconut etc. Mix everything together and then squeeze into balls (about 5 cm. diameter) and roll in the coating. Place in petit four cases. Printable version Festive Sweets Making your own sweets is actually quite fun - children have a great time with this too. They are also nice gifts if placed in a pretty box or packet. Vegan chocolate - I recommend Maya Gold for these - it's orange spiciness is perfect for this time of year. Nuts of your choice (hazel, walnut, pecan, almond, brazil) Vegan marzipan (many supermarkets stock this) Dates Dessicated coconut Cocoa Icing sugar Crystalised angelica Glace cherries Flaked almonds It's very simple! Melt the chocolate and then dip things in it - nuts, marzipan balls, dates - and then place them on a sheet of grease-proof paper to set. Decorate with angelica, glace cherries (can be made to look like holly) and flaked almonds before the chocolate sets and then you can sprinkle with cocoa, coconut or icing sugar. Dates can be destoned and stuffed with marzipan for a non-chocolate treat. Place in petit four cases and enjoy! Printable version Also see Chocolate Fudge icing or soft fudge Mincemeat by Catriona 1lb/450g cooking apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped 8oz/225g shredded vegetable suet 12 oz/350g sultanas 16 oz/450g dried apricots 12oz/350g soft dark brown sugar grated rind and juice of 2 oranges grated rind and juice of 2 lemons 2oz/60g whole almonds, slivered 4 tsp mixed spice 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon half a nutmeg, grated 6 tbsp vegan brandy Mix all ingredients ,except the brandy, together in a bowl then cover and leave for 12 hours. To prevent fermentation place the mincemeat in a 120C/ 225F oven for 3 hours. Then allow to cool, stir in brandy and put in clean jars and seal. Printable version Christmas Pud by Catriona 12oz/350g sultanas 4oz/120g glace cherries, halved 10z/300g ground almonds 4oz/120g plain flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1 1/2 tsp mixed spice 8oz/230g dark brown molasses sugar 4oz/120gsoft, fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs 8oz/230g vegetable suet grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 tbsp black treacle 4 floz/125ml/half a cup soya milk sherry soak the sultanas in plenty sherry Grease a 2 pint pudding basin. Put the soaked fruit, cherries and ground almonds into a large bowl. Add the flour, salt, spices, sugar, breadcrumbs, suet, lemon zest and juice, treacle, soya milk and 4 tbsp sherry. Mix well to make a soft mixture. Spoon into the basin, cover with two layers of greased foil and tie down. Steam for 4 hours. Cool. Cover with a circle of greaseproof paper and two layers of tinfoil. To reheat steam for three hours as before. (I have to say that when I make it I prick the pudding and feed some more sherry or brandy into it...) and don't forget that after it is reheated pour MORE brandy over it and set it on fire. Printable version Vegan Trifle also by Catriona I loved this so much before I was vegan that I veganised it one year and it is excellent... you can leave off the 'cream' layer if you like but I think it makes it! Make a plain vegan sponge and sandwich it together with jam. Slice it up and put it on the bottom of a trifle dish ( or other suitable deep dish) drain a tin of fruit and put on top of the sponge (or use fresh fruit. I like raspberries). Next make up a vegan jelly and pour on top of everything... leave to set. Make up custard with soya milk and pour that on top of the set jelly. Leave that to set. Now put on a thick soya cream made with...2 tbsp cornflour, 2 oz/60g vegan margarine, 1 oz/30g sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla essence and 1/2 pt/250ml/1 cup of soya milk... blend the cornflour with a little soya milk. Add the rest of the milk gradually and transfer to a saucepan. Bring to the boil gently and stir until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool. Cream the margarine with the sugar until pale in colour. Beat in the cooled cornflour mixture a little at a time. Add the vanilla essence. Put the cream layer on top of the chilled custard layer. Decorate with fresh fruit and then eat voraciously. The cream can also be turned into brandy cream by adding a spoonful of brandy...serve with Christmas pudding. Printable version top Links and Books for other recipes and ingredient sources. 'Vegetarian Christmas' by Rose Elliot. Not exclusively vegan but there is a plethora of vegan delights included and most of the lacto-ovo recipes are easily 'veganisable'. Our favourite Christmas dinner of Chestnut and Red wine pate en croute is one of many included here along with lots of advice on taking the work out of Christmas catering. This book is full of ideas for lots of special touches which can be prepared early and frozen - a firm favourite. Buy UK or Buy US 'Have Yourself a very Vegan Christmas' by James Mays. A book choc full of totally vegan Christmas recipes at last!! It is only available from the American branch of Amazon - though they do ship internationally, it may take a few weeks to arrive if you live outside the USA. Buy US 'Cooking by the Seasons - simple vegetarian feasts' - a beautiful collection of recipes divided into the four main seasons. Most recipes are either vegan or very easily veganised - there is even a tofu salad especially for vegan goddesses! Information is given on the eight major sabbats (summer solstice, Yule etc.) along with suggested menus - suggestions for Yule include mulled wine, winter solstice pumpkin soup, red, white and green lasange and hazelnut ice cream and many, many ideas for everyday feasts. There is a really good vegan version of macaroni cheese - baked shells with brocolli and tomato. Yum yum yum. Buy UK or Buy US Festive Children's Books - some recommendations from us. Frugal Christmas - economical ideas for Christmas - shopping, recipes, cards and decorations. Nutties - a great range of vegan hampers including Christmas ones. Kinnerton Confectionery are producing some dairy and nut free advent calendars on a first come first served basis - for full details email g.phillpot@kinnerton.com The Redwood Wholefood Co. - UK based company with turkey roasts etc. - all vegan, available by mail order and in health food shops. Wicken Fen - UK makers of vegetarian foods such as sausages and burgers which are available in many UK supermarkets - most of the range is vegan. Tofurky.com - an American site offering online ordering of vegan turkey substitutes. Kansas' Vegan Christmas Cookies - festive cookie recipes, from Snickerdoodles to Expresso Fudgies! Vegan Christmas Recipes from Parsley Soup - both sweet and savoury festive home cooking. Gift Ideas We like to support vegan companies and charities by doing, at least some of our gift and card shopping with them: UK organisations (most do international orders too) Vegan Family House Gadget Shop - our vegan designs on t-shirts such as the one on the right, mousemats, bags and aprons - you can change the colours, styles etc. to suit yourself or even design your own personal items. Our CafePress Store we have a larger range of products available here - babywear, t-shirts, caps, cards, magnets, badges, bags, mugs and even undies! They ship from the USA but arrive very quickly and have reasonable postage rates. VIVA (Vegetarians and Vegans Voice for Animals) chocolates, wine, toys, books, mugs, badges, clothing, cards. Online ordering. Animal Aid chocolate, wine, clothing, footwear, toiletries, books, cards, mugs, magnets. Online ordering Veganstore.co.uk lots of food items (yes, including chocolate!), T-shirts, books, footwear, badges and magnets, candles, toiletries - now stocking foil wrapped tree decorations and chocolate snowmen!! Online ordering. UK Vegan Society - T-shirts, mugs, chocolates, footwear, wine, candles, games, books, e-mail or phone them on 01424 427393 to request a full catalogue. Respect for Animals - merchandise sold in aid of this campaign against the fur trade - includes mugs, T-shirts and vegan chocolate. Dr.Hadwen Trust - boxed chocolates, fudge, chocolate dipped honeycomb (non-animal), turkish delight - mail order or available online at Cruelty Free Shop American Organisations A Different Daisy - online vegan store selling many different products. Snooty Jewelry - vegan jewelry online. And don't forget our own Bookstore with vegan cookbooks, parenting, nature, spiritual and health titles and fiction section and The Kid's Bookstore (with great titles from Harry Potter to Herb the Vegetarian Dragon and Dr. Seuss !) (International shipping from both the UK and the USA) Have a good festive season home . vegan . kids . surgery . bookstore . kids books . fiction . support . celebrity . earth kitchen . printable recipes . chocolate . soups . salads . sauces . entrees . cakes . foodlinks Daniel . Charlotte . furry friends . family photos . festive . Christmas . Easter . winter . summer links . kidslinks . banners . what's new? . webrings . email . mailing list . guestbook . add a link

Gifts For Women

10 Valentine's Day Gifts For Women 10 Valentine's Day Gifts For Women Valentine's Day is the perfect holiday to put extra thought into your gift giving. Women love to know their partners are not only spending their money, but theirthoughtful written all over them. One of them is bound to please the woman in your life. Of all the holidays in the year, Valentines Day is the one to truly make the thought count when it comes to gift giving. It is all about her. Take yourself out of the equation. If its something you will love, chances are its not a gift exclusively for her. I shouldnt even have to say this by now, but please no sexy lingerie! So before you rush off to the mall, take a look around your womans surroundings, her favorite places in her home. You may think you know her, but a fresh look is always time well spent. One well thought out gift can erase from her memory her horror when you gave her a box of low fat chocolate, or the slinky lingerie three sizes too big. Its neither all about pretty nor all about practical. Its not about expensive or cheap. Again, its the thought and effort put behind the gift. As you plan your gift, practice a little imagery. Imagine her opening up your gift. Prove to her that you know her, what makes her heart go pitter patter, her eyes well up with happy tears, her face beam with delight. Still cant think of a great gift? Allow me. Here are ten thoughtful Valentines Day gifts. Books, CDs, books on tape, videos. Again, take a long look at what she already has in her bookshelf, in her music collection. Dont be afraid to ask the store clerk either. You already know her tastes, right? But store associates know whats hot or even what classics are most sought after even if you dont. Music or dance lessons. Does she not so secretly express her desire to compete on American Idol? Do you catch her singing into a hairbrush in the mirror? Does she fawn when PBS airs the international ballroom dancing competition? A romantic meal at home. Notice I didnt say you had to cook it? Restaurants are now making it easier than ever to pick up a meal on the go. There are also some excellent frozen entres in your grocers freezer. The famous chef to the stars, Wolfgang Puck even has a line of frozen gourmet dishes. Dont forget dessert. Either way, make it easy, put out the best china and silverware, and do not leave a mess in the kitchen! Cushions and pillows. Nothing says lovin like a little luxury. Does she sit in a chair most of her day? Or does she like to sit in bed and read magazines? Give her a top of the line back or bootie cushion. Go to a store that specializes in orthopedic or ergonomic products. This thoughtful gift will remind her how you care about her comfort. Gadgets. Gadgets arent just for guys anymore. What about a cool camera phone? Or an MP3 player? Or, if and only if, shes already an exerciser, visit your local sporting goods store and check out the latest device designed to help her accomplish her fitness goals, maybe a talking pedometer. Dont forget the card and words to the effect of, I love it that youre taking care of yourself. I want us to be healthy and happy for a long time. Shoes and a day of shoe shopping together. No matter if shes the diva type or the earthy type, a good pair of shoes can put a smile on a womans face for a long time. Look, theres no way in heck youre going to be able to pick out a pair of shoes. I dont suggest trying it. Dont even buy a gift certificate. You cant limit her to just one choice of store! Instead, put it in writing that you will accompany her in good spirits to as many shoes stores as necessary in a 24 hour period for her to find a pair of shoes she will truly love. 24 hours of personal service---housekeeper, cook, masseuse, butler, secretary, and chauffeur. We should all have the feeling that our every whim is being catered to at least once a year. You might wake her with breakfast in bed, then run a bubble bath for her, and bring her the morning paper. While she reads her favorite magazine, you are dusting and mopping and cleaning the house from top to bottom. Remember, its the spirit that you undertake the chores with that will make the biggest impression, so dont forget to whistle while you work! Make an appointment with a professional to have something fixed about you. Yes, I said it, the f word. Are your teeth needing some repair, have you been putting off an uncomfortable but necessary health screening? Now some will say, How romantic is that? But she will know that youre finally listening to her and taking care that youll stay healthy for her, and that, my friends, is happiness money can never buy. Of course, youll need to give her the news over a romantic candlelight dinner. Selection of gift certificates from her favorite stores, the stores where she buys things for other people. If she likes that expensive coffee place, thats a good start. Take a walk around her favorite mall without her. Her spirit will guide you and before you know it, youll be thinking youre a genius for being so thoughtful! Professional photo session. You know how shes always the one making memories from your everyday life? Shes the photographer, rarely the photographed. Give her a session with a professional photographer. Now we know the most popular form of this gift is from that place where glamorous shots are taken and tons of makeup is applied semi-professionally. Again, know your woman. If thats not her style, then find a local photographer who will photograph her naturally or however way she truly wants to be seen. Now if youre a traditionalist and these ideas have your head spinning, then go ahead and throw in a bouquet of flowers and a shiny box of chocolates. It never hurts to have a backup! Author: Sandra Webber About Author: Ellen Webber is a freelance writer with many years experience receiving Valentines Day gifts through the years. She admits all the gifts shes received werent as unique and thoughtful as these listed here, but she accepted each one graciously as she believes is the only way to make sure the gift givers try again the next year. DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms at www.2020site.org/legal/. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. Since this information is from old and outdated books, it is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. 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Housewarming Gift Inspirational Home

Housewarming Gift -- United States [ change ] Join / Login View cart Home Consumer Photography Pro Photographer / Lab Cinematography Health & Dental Graphic Communications Business & Government Corporate Products Support Center Printing & Sharing Taking Great Pictures KODAK Online Store Contact Us -- Digital Cameras Software Printers Online Printing Services Accessories Inkjet Paper Picture Maker Demo Store Locator Features Input Sources Editing Tools Projects Make Gifts Color to B&W Enlargement Disney Memory Box Family Birthdays Calendar Graduation Shadow Box Grandkids Photo Collage Greatest Dad Enlargement Housewarming Gift Inspirational Home Decor Mementos Picture Frame Memory Box Photo Garlands Photo Valentines for Kids Picture Star Picture Gift Tags Picture Poem Picture Wall Recipe in a Jar Reunion Name Tags Sepia Enlargement Signs for Kids' Rooms Sports Trading Cards Tool Caddy for Daddy Make Scrapbooks Make Cards & Invitations Katie Brown Tips Frequently Asked Questions Picture CD Film & Processing Single-Use Cameras Support Center Promotions Related Products KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Cameras KODAK EASYSHARE Software KODAK Picture CD Related Learning Sharing Pictures Enhancing & Restoring Pictures Printing Digital Pictures Housewarming Gift Skill Level: Moderate Here's an easy and personal gift - to welcome a friend into a new home. What You'll Need A picture of your friend's new home Coordinating picture frame Basket Small gift items like candles, gourmet coffee, chocolates, potpourri How to Make it Take a picture of the new house Go to your friend's new home and take an exterior picture. (If you're planning this as a surprise, of course you'll want to go when you're sure they're not home.) Visit your nearby KODAK Picture Maker with the photo and touch the screen to start. Make a print Make your gift basket Place your finished print in the frame you've chosen. We used a whitewashed frame and added a miniature white picket fence, available from craft stores. Tuck your frame into a gift basket and include a few candles, candy or other special treats your friend would enjoy. Now you're ready to stop by to present your personalized housewarming gift! Do you have a digital camera? Learn how to make great prints in just 5 minutes! Where to Buy City State AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY Zip -- Home | Privacy (Sept 2005) | Website Terms of Use

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All About Baby Showers - Baby Shower gifts,Baby Shower Ideas &planning, Baby Shower Games, Baby Shower recipes, drinks & desserts, BabyShower Tips Birthdaysby Rexanne - Main Page / BirthdayGifts / BirthdayPartyStore / Birthday Cards& Graphics / Birthdays for Kids / BirthdayParties / Birthday PartyTips / Reader party Tips / BirthdaySigns & Symbols / BirthdayFacts & Fun / Birthday Food & Cooking / BirthdaySites & Homepages / BirthdayGuest List / BirthdayChecklist / BirthdayScreensavers & Wallpapers / BabyShowers / Party Hats A ll A bout B aby S howers Baby showerplanning, resources, gifts, sites, games, tips, food, ideas and more! Havinga child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in lovecan commit. - Bill Cosby Are you hosting ababy shower? You're a good friend or relative! All the answers to your manyquestions and dilemmas are on this page, ready to help you organize and pull offthe best baby shower possible. This is my reward to you for going the extra milefor the mom-to-be. She deserves this shower and you deserve as much help aspossible. A babyshower can be hosted by a close friend or group of friends of the mother-to-be.While traditionally considered improper for a family member of the mother-to-beto host a baby shower, family members today commonly help and often plan babyshowers. My call on it: if you are a family member and the only one able to give themom-to-be a baby shower, do it . Every baby deserves a shower and every pregnantmom deserves a party! Babyshowers are typically held one to two months before baby's arrival. In somecultures, baby showers are given after the baby is born. If there are siblings-to-be, please remember themwith a small gift or special mention. If you're giving your friend or family member a baby shower, start with a guestlist and definitely consider instantlydownloading the amazing baby shower package that comes with everything you'll needfor a memorable and fun party here: TheVery Best Baby Shower ... just add food and guests. Also consider buying the excellent book BabyShowers: Ideas and Recipes for the Perfect Party . These will ease your mind,give you many new ideas and help you create a memorable baby shower. Send the shower invitations at least three weeks in advance.You can also emailshower invitations if everyone has an email address or just to those who do. Remember the babyshower games to keep guests entertained and always offer babyshower favors to your guests. These do not have to be expensive andit's the classy thing to do. :-) Personalizedchocolate bars are my current favorite party favor idea. Easy, everyoneloves them and you can save one for Mom's keepsake reminder of the great baby shower you gave her. Mom-to-be needs a babyshower book to recordthe shower events,gifts, guests and pictures from her special day. The most gracious shower hosts supply this veryimportant keepsake ,which can also double as a shower gift . One of thecutest decorating ideas for a baby shower is to toss babypacifier candy and confetti down the center of the foodtable and/or coffee and end tables. Give yourself a huge break and orderyour baby shower candy online. If you know the baby's sex, you can toss wrapped ' It'sa Boy ' or ' It'sa Girl ' candies (or combine them if you don't yet know baby's sex) ontables, too. Want to make a lasting impression on Mom-to-be and all the guests?Toss mini personalizedbaby shower chocolate bars on tables, end tables and down the middle of thefood table. Very cute way to add to the decorations and guests can indulge theirsweet tooth at will. And always have pretty flowers and balloons to help decorate the party room. Another really super decoration is a BabyShower Canopy , that can be hung over the food or gift table to add flair and a custombaby shower banner looks great, will be a treasured keepsake and makes a big impression! Havethe baby showerbeverages ( soda& water bottles ) personalizedand decorated for a really special treat. This is especiallygratifying to order online because you get that heavy stuff delivered right toyour door. ;-) For moreinspiration and WWW goodies, you'll find plenty of links below to help you plan, prepare and party . Baby Shower Gifts Baby Shower Sites & Resources Baby Shower Games Baby Shower Food & Drinks To send ababy arrival or congratulations card online, click here: Cards B aby S hower G ifts Stork's Choice Disposable Diaper Delivery Possibly the best service ever created ... A gift of disposable diapers and wipes delivered for a month or more will make you the new parent's best friend. AAA Balloons Send a fun, gorgeous balloon bouquet! Always appropriate and very festive. Especially perfect if you'll be unable to attend the baby shower. Newborn & BabyGifts G ifts and gift ideas for newborns to toddlers. Uncommon Goods - Baby Shower Gifts For really unique and awesome baby shower gifts, this is the place. BabiesRUs Everything a new baby could hope for and a parent-to-be would love. Layette sets, strollers, toys, bath items and much more. Diaper Cakes Diapers, blankets, hooded towels, and baby toys, in the shape of a tiered cake . Variety of colors and themes. Perfect for a baby shower table centerpiece! Lovies Precious cuddly baby blankets with soft animal heads that baby will cling to for security and love for years. G reat Arrival Baby Baskets A dorably packaged newborn and baby gift baskets , filled with all the necessities ataffordable prices. The Stuffed Ark Premium quality life-like plush stuffed animals. Always a fun baby shower gift and The Stuffed Ark has the best! Baby Shower Keepsake Book A wonderful gift for mom-to-be. Records all the shower events, shower gifts, guests, predictions and advice. Robeez Baby Shoes Gorgeous and affordable high quality booties & soft leather baby shoes. Go on easy but don't fall off. Baby's parents will surely appreciate this thoughtful and unique gift. So will baby. :-) Kid's Land Darling baby gifts. From knitted caps to strollers. Baby Wise Innovative, unique and time-honored baby gift products. Self-closing Pacifiers What a great invention! Automatically self-close when they hit the deck. Fun to attach as a wrapping decoration or an essential to add to baby baskets. Musical Baby CD's Have a music CD personalized if you already know baby's name or pick from classical music or baby lullabies with a teddy bear toy. Tooth Fairy Pillows They will become necessary and these are so cute! Fun addition to baby baskets. Nursery Depot C rib bedding and nursery furniture in all styles with guaranteed low prices. The Baby Book ' Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two. ' One of the best books on the subject and an excellent gift for a new mom. Baby Matters Another excellent newborn reference book. Carefully & tediously researched bringing wisdom of the ages to modern parents. The Best Baby Books These are my recommendations for the best baby books that all new parents and baby would love to have. Quilting B's Complete quilt kit - family & friends make the squares, Quilting B's creates a gorgeous quilt for baby. Proflowers Sending a lovely arrangementof flowers to help make the party room beautiful is always a thoughtful gift. Top 40 Shower Gifts As recommended by other new moms. Baby Shower GiftSuggestions Shared ideas from other Internet users. Baby Shower Gift Wrapping Ideas Backto top Thinkof stretch marks as pregnancy service stripes. - Joyce Armor B aby S hower R esources& I nformation The Very Best Baby Showers Step by Step kit for planning the perfect babyshower. Includes, games, invitations, recipes ... the works. Instantly downloadable. BabyShower Theme Party Packs Complete baby shower theme party planner packs, including games, invitations,decorations, recipes, ideas ... the works. Easy baby shower. :-) BabyShower Party Supplies Everything you'll need ... paper goods, decorations & shower favors. Baby Shower Banners Customize and order online. Diaper Cakes Almost essential these days as a table centerpiece, party decoration and ultimate baby shower gift. These are too cute! Stork Avenue Baby shower invitations, birth announcements, self-closing pacifiers (so cool!) and much more. Easy navigation, great products and affordable prices. OnlineBaby Shower Invitations Send email invitations and save on stamps and paper goods. Free with easyregistration. Baby Shower Favors &Supplies Individual shower items and sets, shower favors, decorations,and more. Quilting B's Absolutely adorable - gorgeously finished quilts for baby, created by family & friends. Perfect baby shower activity that becomes a super gift. BabyShower Invitations Printable designedbaby announcements and shower invitations. Free to print. BabyShower Message Boards Ask your peers what they would do! Baby Shower FAQ A who, what, when, where of showers. Baby ShowerQ&A Another guide to frequently asked questions. Perfect BabyShowers Information and ideas. Take A Stroll - Baby ShowerIdeas Games, planning, prizes, favors. ShowerIdeas.com- Baby Showers Detailed info on games and more. Baby Shower Tips Good baby shower tips to help you. PookietheBear'sBaby Showers Collection of information, ideas and advice. Throw a Memorable Baby Shower Very good shower-giving advice, from games to decor. Throwinga Successful Baby Shower Advice and ideas from readers of Parent's Soup. HipBaby Shower Themes For the coolest mom-to-be. ;-) SpecialConsiderations Adoption, single mom and other special issues. SpecialTouches Those little things that make your shower unique. CouplesBaby Shower Non-traditional but gaining in popularity. Adoption Baby Showers Etiquette and information for adoption baby showers. HolidayBaby Shower Showers with a special holidaytheme. Baby Names Just in case the parents haven't yet decided ... Backto top Ababy is God's opinion that the world should go on. - Carl Sandburg B aby S hower G ames BabyShower Games A to Z Many unique & classic baby shower games. Print & play instantly. Well worth the low price. Baby Shower Games List of common games and rules. Baby Shower Party Games Lots of baby shower game ideas with instructions. New & Different Baby ShowerGames A unique twist on the age-old game play. Baby Shower Games Some different ones here. Moms On The Go - Baby ShowerGames Games and instructions. Baby Shower Gamesfor Everyone Ideas and instructions for various baby shower games. Baby-Shower-Games Fun, challenging and ice breaker game suggestions. BabyShower Games - The Dollar Stretcher Good, frugal ideas forgames. Free Baby Shower Games- My Bambino The kind that don't cost anything. ;-) Babee - Baby Shower Games Some more free to print games. Baby Shower Game Advice Some Q & A for inspiration. Backto top Menare often bad; babies never are. - Louisa May Alcott B aby S hower F ood BabyShower Recipe Collection Cute names and various shower recipes. BabyShower Recipes From finger foods topunch. Baby Shower Foods Cute ideas and recipes for a full menu. French BabyShower Recipes Very classy menu ... you can do this! Baby Shower Food & Drink From punch to dessert. TastyTreats for a Baby Shower Spinach dip and Stork Cake recipes. Pookiethebear'sBaby Shower Food Gotta love Pookie for putting this page together! Good advice. Lite Baby ShowerBuffet Great low-fat menus and recipes. BabyShower Refreshments Menus, snacks and beverages. BabyShower Tea Parties An assortment ofmenus for an afternoon tea shower. Baby SleepingFruit Salad Visually adorable, fresh fruit-based salad. Baby Shower Cake ABC cake, using frozen pound cake. Nice & Easy. BettyCrocker's Baby Shower Cake Pink, blue and white layered cake. Butterfly BabyShower Cake Cute and not too hard to recreate. Wilton's Baby Shower Cakes & Desserts Recipes & decorating instructions. Howto Make a Baby Shower Cake Low calorie pineapple cake recipe. Baby Shower Cupcakes Cute rubber ducky theme - recipe & decorating instructions. Pregnancy Punch Sprite & rainbow sherbet based. Baby ShowerPunch Strawberry soda based. Fruit Juice Baby Shower Punch Can use champagne for a kick. ;-) Personalized& Decorated Party Soda & Water Bottles Too cute to have soda and water bottles designed just for your baby shower! BabyPacifier Candy A must-have for table decorating (toss them randomly on all tables) and/or incandy dishes. ' It's a Girl' Wrapped Candies ' It's a Boy' Wrapped Candies Backto top Iwas cesarean born. You can't really tell, although whenever I leave a house, Igo out through a window. - Steven Wright B irthdays b y R exanne- S ite M ap Baby Shower Favors &Party Supplies Rexanne'sParty Store Birthdaysby Rexanne - Main Page Birthday Gifts Birthday Cards & Graphics Birthday Screensavers & Wallpapers Birthdays for Kids Birthday Parties Party Tips & Ideas Reader Party Tips Party GuestList PartyChecklist Birthday Food & Cooking BirthdaySigns & Symbols Birthday Facts & Fun Birthday Sites & Homepages Baby Showers Party Hats Subscribe! 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