Jewelry Gifts -- Heart

Heart Jewelry – Heart Bracelet – Initial Jewelry - Unique Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Luxury Gifts - RedEnvelope -- Gifts Online Gifts by Shops Jewelry + Accessories Gifts What's Hot Jewelry Gifts -- Heart Jewelry – Heart Bracelet – Initial Jewelry For the latest in heart jewelry like our heart bracelet and initial jewelry , browse RedEnvelope's What's Hot Jewelry Gifts Collection. Each item in our heart jewelry assortment includes a wide variety of heart-shaped jewelry gifts that are unique and reasonably priced. Our Murano heart bracelet features mouth-blown glass hearts with painted metallic centers. Whether you choose a heart jewelry gift or an initial jewelry gift, she will love your gift. This year, spoil and dazzle her with a stylish gift like our heart bracelet form our collection. After all, when was the last time you surprised her with a jewelry gift? 1 showing items 1 - 25 of 25 peridot horseshoe necklace mother's birthstone necklace peridot + pearl bracelet spiral drop lariat murano glass heart necklace diamond wreath necklace diamond four-leaf clover diamond initial necklace diamond key to my heart diamond xo necklace center of my world necklace murano glass butterfly necklace sisters + friends forever necklaces olivine necklace angel tears necklace obi bracelet diamond wishbone dream catcher necklace diamond xo earrings peridot clover bracelet etched gemstone necklace jade i.d. bracelet soul friend bracelet inspiration bracelets murano glass bead bracelets 1 showing items 1 - 25 of 25 -- View our other Jewelry & Accessories Gift collections: friendship bracelets , pearl earrings , heart necklace , fashion earrings , leather jewelry Box , heart jewelry , women's robes. -- Gifts by Occasion • Gifts by Recipient • Online Gifts by Shops • Corporate Gifts Last Minute Gifts • Anniversary Gift Guide • Birthflowers Gift Guide • Birthstones Gift Guide -- ©2005 RedEnvelope, Inc. All rights reserved. The RedEnvelope mark and logo are trademarks of RedEnvelope, Inc. Index .

Baby Gift Baskets, Baby

Baby Gift Baskets, Baby gifts, Baby Gift Ideas, Birth Announcements, Baby Bedding: The Stork Delivers Baby Joggers, Specialty Sweaters, Gifts for New Mom, Baby Gift Baskets, Baby Gifts, Baby Bedding, Birth Announcements, Personalized Gifts and more from TheStorkDelivers.com! *Now Featured in USA TODAY Visit our newest addition...The Stork Delivers' Exclusive Knits! For the past 16 years, The Stork Delivers has been the preferred choice of discriminating shoppers for the very finest in Baby Gifts and Gift Baskets for New Moms and their families. Celebrities have given and received our famed Gift Baskets for years and now that we have expanded our collection to include gifts for Moms, Dads, Siblings, Grandparents and so much more...you can treat that special someone like a star too for many occasions!*Please visit our Information page for any shipping questions or call us at 1-800-94-BABYS for further assistance. Join the TheStorkDelivers.com mailing list and enter to win our monthly gift giveaway Email: The Stork Delivers has been delighting the new mother since 1985 with a handful of beautifully coordinated baby gift baskets. In 1994, we joined the worldwide web and expanded with many more exciting ways to celebrate the new arrival. Added themes for the new baby gift baskets, twin gifts, sibling gifts, a beautiful bedding boutique for babys nursery, exclusive baby bootie charms & spa gifts great for the new mom, a personalized gift section with monogrammed blankets, monogrammed towels, handcrafted birth announcement nursery rugs and now welcoming our newest additionthe Baby Jogger Strollera perfect gift for the new and expectant mom or dad. Enjoy our collection of baby gifts and baby gift basketssee why The Stork Delivers is known worldwide as a must-see-site! We invite you to see what's been said about our service : "I recently bought a basket for a baby girl. Only today, I delivered the gift and it met with rave reviews. It was purchased for my hairdresser, but the entire salon was so excited about the gift. I was so pleased with the reaction to this item. In the future, if I, or any of my friends need to purchase a baby gift I will surely recommend The Stork Delivers. Thanks so much for the perfect gift!" - Mary McGovern, Carmel, NY [ click here for more testimonials ] "Everyone absolutely loves these baskets. They are shipped on nearly the same day I order them. Company is a pleasure to deal with. I highly recomend sending these baby gift baskets as corporate gifts or any gifts." - A.R. - MLB Sponsorship [ click here for more testimonials ] Top100WebShops.com E-mail this Page to a Friend! | View Shopping Cart It's a Girl! Gifts | It's a Boy! Gifts | Neutral Gender Gifts | Twins! Home | Baby Gift Baskets | Unique Baby Gifts | Sibling Gifts | Gifts for Mom Baby Bedding Boutique 2003 NEW STYLES! | Baby Birth Announcements | Links | Baby Gifts Site Map Questions? Call us toll-free at 1-800-94-BABYS,Mon.-Fri.,8am to 5pm EST 2004 The Stork Delivers. All rights reserved. Substitutions made on baskets for equal or greater value to coordinate with each specific theme. The Stork Delivers mark, logo and basket designs are trademarks of The Stork Delivers, Inc.

Unique Gifts Online while

Holiday Shoppers: Find Unique Gifts Online while Saving Time and Money  You are here: About > Hobbies & Games > Collectibles Hobbies & Games Collectibles Essentials Halloween Collecting The Cookie Jar Spot What Do I Have, What's It Worth? A-Z: Articles and Links! Free Printables & Clipart Articles & Resources Price Guides Online Sports / Card Collecting Collector Resources Animal Collectibles Advertising Stuff Cartoons- Characters-Comics China, Pottery, Glass Disneyana Holiday Collecting Kitchen and Housewares Pins Toys -- Vintage and Antique Auctions and Shopping More Collectible Categories Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Product Reviews Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Collectibles newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Collectibles Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading eBay Articles, Links, Resources Elsewhere on the Web Auction Bytes Most Popular Price Guides Online -- Free Prices Guides Comic Book Online Price Guide Index -- Prices Realized Comic... What do I Have and What's it Worth? | Index of Cookie Jar Pictures & Value Guides Lil' Bratz Stickers What's Hot Quaker Oat Company History and Premiums McCoy Pottery Raggedy Ann and Andy Lionel Trains - Auction Prices Realized - Collectibles Christmas in July -- Hallmark Ornaments Related Topics Antiques Doll Collecting Toy Collecting Action Figure Collecting Stamps / Coins Holiday Shoppers: Find Unique Gifts Online while Saving Time and Money From Barbara Crews , Your Guide to Collectibles . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Oct 25 2003 Press Release Natick, MA, October 1, 2003 - Smart shoppers can find the perfect gift while saving time and money by shopping online, according to David Steiner, president of AuctionBytes.com. "Traditionally, this is the time of year that merchants are stocking their stores for the holidays - and online merchants are no different,” said Steiner. “You can do all of your holiday shopping from the comfort of your home, and avoid the crowds and long lines at the mall." Large marketplaces like eBay and Amazon have proven to be popular stops for holiday shoppers. But smaller niche sites can also give you the variety and quality you are looking for in a gift. This year online shoppers have a couple of extra tools available to help them find unique gifts on the Web. Search Aggregators like Google (http://www.froogle.com) and Yahoo! (http://shopping.yahoo.com) have developed shopping search engines. In addition to including large retail sites, the services include many smaller “Mom and Pop” sites offering a great selection of items, from hand-made jewelry, antiques, to collectibles and crafts. “You’ll be amazed at some of the things you can find on smaller sites and the prices in many cases are excellent," said Steiner. For holiday gift-givers, Steiner offers the following online shopping tips: - If there is a collector in your life, online shopping is ideal for finding that one piece that will complete their collection. And don't worry about whether they already have an item. Collectors like duplicates so they can play with one and save the other, or trade for items missing from their collection. Online antiques malls like Tias (http://www.tias.com), Ruby Lane (http://www.rubylane.com) and GoAntiques (http://www.goantiques.com) offer a great selection. - An extra set of a hard-to-find place setting or a replacement for a broken saucer or cup in a special pattern is a great gift. Check out sites like Replacements Ltd. (http://www.replacements.com) or eBay (http://www.ebay.com). - Satisfy hard-to-please family members and friends by buying memorabilia. Consider a vintage movie poster or a celebrity autograph for the people who already have everything. Something that might remind a person of their childhood or a happy time in their lives is a great gift. - Check out some of the smaller auction sites such as ePier (http://www.epier.com), SellYourItem (http://www.sellyouritem.com) or BidVille (http://www.bidville.com) These sites may have hidden gems that are great deals because they’re not as heavily trafficked as eBay or Amazon. - A wide range of books exists to satisfy collectors. For example, Miller's Movie Collectibles by Rudy and Barbara Franchi covers all aspects of collecting movie memorabilia with current values, sources, history, terminology and trends. You can buy the collecting-related books online (new or used) on book sites like Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com) and specialty sites like Collector Books (http://www.collectorbooks.com). You can also use a search engine for books, like BookFinder (http://www.bookfinder.com). - You can find free-shipping deals online, or consider buying multiple items at once to save on shipping costs. Use comparison shopping sites like Shopping.com (http://www.shopping.com) and Yahoo! Shopping (http://shopping.yahoo.com) to look for the best deals. When buying online, it is important to be a savvy shopper, warns Steiner, especially when buying on marketplaces like eBay. Use a credit card and be skeptical. If someone is offering a deal on eBay or another auction site, and it looks too good to be true, it usually is. "If someone is selling a plasma screen TV for $200, it’s likely that the item doesn’t exist. Don’t try and rationalize why it’s such a good deal just walk away from it," said Steiner. Never, ever wire-transfer money to a seller, Steiner warned. And consider using an escrow service for high-price items, but be aware that there are hoax escrow sites as well be sure to use a legitimate service. Steiner's Web site AuctionBytes.com has more tips on how to shop wisely on eBay: http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abu/y202/m08/abu0077/s03 There's no reason to be a last-minute shopper, get online now. And don't worry if you get something you hate under the tree in December. You can turn around and sell it online! "January is a hot month for online 're-gifting,'" said Steiner. "People are online selling the gifts they don’t want or that don't fit, and they're looking for the items they really did want but did not receive." Most Popular Video Fashion for Special Occasions Women: Dressing by Body Type Women: Building a Wardrobe Men: Building a Wardrobe Men: Dressing by Body Type See other videos at About.com        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Poll: What would you do with $10 million? 1) Spend it 4) Pay bills 2) Donate 5) Save 3) Invest 6) Not sure Is New York City Safe? Tips for Women Travelling What's Hot Quaker Oat Company History and Premiums McCoy Pottery Raggedy Ann and Andy Lionel Trains - Auction Prices Realized - Collectibles Christmas in July -- Hallmark Ornaments Arcade Games Mah Jong Quest Bejewelled2 Zuma Bingo Jigsaw 365 MaxJongg

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

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Housewarming Gift Ideas  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Interior Decorating Home & Garden Interior Decorating Essentials Decorating for Fall Back to School All About Decorating Kids' Rooms It's Fall Showhouse Season Dorm Decorating Ideas Articles & Resources Beginner Decor Decorating Inspiration Elements of Decor Decorating by Room Decorating Styles Decorating Solutions Do-It-Yourself Projects Organize, Clean and Move Holiday Decor and Ideas Seasonal Decor Education and Careers Building and Remodeling Using Decorative Arts Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Interior Decorating newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Interior Decorating Housewarming Gift Ideas Email to a friend Printer friendly version Related Resources • Gift Sources • Housewarming Parties • More Gift Ideas for Occasions About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address: Moving into a new home is a time that's full of possibilies. Friends, family, and neighbors often share in the excitement by taking a housewarming gift to the new homeowners. But what should you give? The answer depends partly on how well you know the recipients, and if you have insight into their personal tastes and preferences, their needs and wants. For your closest friends, housewarming gifts can be personal, humorous, and special, while for new neighbors or acquaintances you may want to make more generic gift choices. Housewarming gifts are the one type of gift that needn't always be formally gift wrapped. After all, plants, gift baskets, and other large items are difficult and unwieldy to wrap in gift paper. Instead, consider using tulle fabric or netting, clear cellophane, or even just a colorful bow to adorn your gift. Be sure to include a handwritten welcome card, and whenever possible, personally take the gift to the home and officially "warm" it with your good wishes. Whatever your gift choice, make is something appropriate for you and for the recipients. There's nothing more discouraging than to receive a huge Victorian swan planter when your entire home is black and white contemporary. It's better receive something predictible rather than something inappropriate. Here are our favorite -- and not so favorite -- gift ideas for housewarmings... The Good Give Something Classic Simple beauty never goes out of style. A silver picture frame, a cut crystal bud vase, or a beautiful clock are objects that can fit into almost any home. Make it special by buying it in your friend's favorite store, or go all out and shop at Tiffany, Neiman Marcus, or other specialty store. For an extra touch, fill the frame with a personal photo, place a rose in the bud vase, or engrave the object with the move-in date. Add to a Collection Choose an object that your friends can add to a treasured collection -- things like an antique tin, a white ironstone bowl, or a silver napkin ring are possibilities for some collectors. Then add a little something extra to the gift... perhaps a mini box of truffles inside the tin, some wonderful tea in the ironstone bowl, or a small bouquet of flowers cinched with the napkin ring. Gift Baskets Choose a theme appropriate for your recipients and have fun putting together something creative. Just choose a themed container, several appropriate pieces to place inside, and tie it all up in cellophane and a pretty bow. Use package shred or crinkled tissue to cushion the items if necessary. -- Gardening Bucket with garden tools, gloves, seeds, pruners, and gardening magazines -- Just Add Water with a vase, stem cutters, floral design book, and a big bunch of fresh flowers -- Paint Party in a Paint Tray with paint rollers, brushes, drop cloths, tape, 5 in 1 Tool -- Starter Tool Box with tape measure, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and assorted nails -- Picture Hanging Kit with picture hangers and wire, nails, tape measure, level, and plumb line -- Dinner Kit with a casserole, plates, utensils, paper cups, and a bottle of sparkling cider -- Emergency Chocolate Kit for incurable chocoholics -- a candy tin or a basket, and a variety of chocolate candy, truffles, cookies, or freshly baked goods made of -- you guessed it -- chocolate ! Make Something Special Gif the gift of yourself by presenting something you've made. Perhaps a flavored vinegar, shaped topiary, painted welcome sign, fireplace starters, a flower arrangement or an Easy Fruit Arrangment . Toasting Flutes Add to their wedding crystal, or choose unique toasting flutes especially for the occasion. Tie the stems with pretty bows, and include a bottle of bubbly to toast your friends in their new home. Bridal Registry Newly married couples can be easy to shop for since you may still be able to choose items from their wedding registry. If the registered gifts have all been given, you can look it over for clues to their chosen color scheme and style preference, then make appropriate gift choices that will fit into their decor. Consider placemats to go with their china, an additional setting or two of everyday dishes, or an alternate choice of colored glassware. 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