Christmas Candy Dipped Pretzels

Candy Dipped Pretzels

Items needed:

1 bag Pretzel Rods
1 (12-ounce) bag Green Candy Melts or Wafers
Vegetable Oil
Christmas Sprinkles
Wax Paper
Wire Rack
Large Pan

Place a large pan under a wire rack.(this will catch the leftover sprinkles to reuse.) Lay out a couple of sheets of wax paper. Pour sprinkles in a small bowl, set aside. In a small and narrow bowl, heat wafers along with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted. Tilt bowl and dip half of the pretzel rod down in the melted candy, turning to coat. Using your finger, run along the back of the pretzel to remove excess melted candy, then place on the wire rack. Coat with sprinkles and let sit for a couple of seconds on the rack so that more candy drips off, then remove and run finger along back of pretzel again to smooth out candy coating. Add a few more sprinkles to the back and sides of the pretzel, then place on a clean sheet of wax paper to harden.

*Have damp towels handy while dipping pretzels. You will need to wipe the excess melted candy off of your fingers before applying sprinkles.
*You will need 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil for each ½ bag of wafers.

The Best Toaster Oven

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.

There is nothing like getting the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog in the mail each year. I see so many things I would love to have.  This year I received  The Best Toaster Oven for my Holiday Gift Guide. 

I can certainly see why this is the best.  You can cook a pizza in this.  I love the LCD controls on this toaster oven.  They are easy to see and add a touch of classy to the oven.  

This oven has 0.8 cubic feet of space.  That is HUGE!  I can fix six pieces of toast or even put a dutch oven inside.  I don't like having to use the toaster over and over for toast in the morning, and this toaster oven from Hammacher Schlemmer is PERFECT for just that.  The 1,800-watt oven broils, cooks with convection, and defrosts at the touch of a button.  I highly recommend The Best Toaster Oven.

If you are looking for a gift for the foodie on your list or anybody, Hammacher Schlemmer has you covered.  You can always find just the right gift in any price range.

Discover The Magical Island Of Mykonos

Image Credit: Ion Androutsopoulos

Christmas is coming!

The holiday season means a well-earned rest from work plus opportunities to visit loved ones, not to mention plenty of time to plan your next amazing travel adventure! Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or just fancy a romantic rendezvous for two, the quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is the ideal moment to book a holiday.

Thanks to its golden sandy beaches, turquoise skies and hours of endless sunshine, the Greek island of Mykonos is the perfect place for a sunny spring vacation. Mykonos, located in the Aegean sea, is fondly known as Greece’s ‘designer island’ and is home to opulent hotels, exclusive villas, and luxurious boutiques. Here, bougainvillea-lined boulevards are teeming with upscale restaurants, colourful bars famous for their signature cocktails and VIP nightclubs where renowned DJs show off their skills.

The best beaches are to be found on the south side of the island and where many beach bars, surf shops, and jet ski rentals stay open till late. Visitors are charmed by the soft golden sands and crystal waters of Paradise, Super Paradise and Lia as well as the chance to try their hand at kite surfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and so much more!

Paradise Beach, Mykonos: Image Credit: Iris

On Mykonos, accommodation options are endless with a range of holiday resorts, elegant hotels, and luxurious villas all nestled amid the spacious island. Mykonos Villas offer all their guests a superb ‘home away from home’ experience with a range of luxury properties featuring stunning views, private terraces and pristine infinity pools - perfect for family gatherings, private parties, and intimate celebrations.

Some of the freshest, tastiest food can be found amongst the numerous taverns, restaurants, cafes and even within local houses. For an incredible culinary experience and outstanding five-star service why not head to M-Eating? Loved by locals and tourists alike this restaurant is a gorgeous, intimate venue in the heart of Mykonos Town.

M-Eating has a romantic outdoor terrace, spacious garden dining and, for those special occasions, you can even book an exclusive private table. Their stylish menu features a range of mouthwatering dishes such as a Trilogy of Goat Cheeses, Rib-eye veal as well as the Mini Gateaux Cappuccino.

Little Venice: Image Credit Steve Summers

Mykonos was once voted the best European island to visit, and it’s not hard to see why so many visitors fall in love with its picturesque landscape. This beautiful region is steeped in culture and each year thousands of tourists visit the medieval Panagia Paraportiani, the Church of Our Lady, one of the most photographed buildings in all of Greece. Countless writers and artists are inspired by the charming paved streets of Little Venice, where the balconies of these colourful fishing houses overhang the sea.

Mykonos at sunset: Image Credit David Schroeder

Once belonging to wealthy merchants and boasting underground passages, people believed that the absent owners of these unique dwellings were secret pirates! These days, this row of magnificent houses plays host to art galleries, little shops, and cafes as well as providing loving couples a quiet, romantic spot to watch the sunset.

How to make the perfect cookies for Santa Claus

Are you leaving cookies out for Santa this year?  He will love these Ginger Cookies!  Get the kids in the kitchen to help make these delicious cookies.



Items needed:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 ½ teaspoons Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
3/4 cup Vegetable Shortening
1/2 cup Sugar, plus additional for rolling
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/3 cup Molasses
1 large Egg
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Spray an 11x17 inch pan with cooking spray, set aside. Place a small amount of sugar in a bowl, set aside. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and cinnamon. Sift into a medium size mixing bowl, set aside. In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat vegetable shortening while adding ½ cup sugar. Add dark brown sugar and beat. Add molasses and beat. Beat in egg. Beat in flour mixture. Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls. Roll dough around in small bowl of sugar. Place on greased pan. Gently press on dough and flatten slightly with fingers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the top (1st) rack for 7 to 9 minutes.

Why outdoor play is important

This post is sponsored by The Voice of Play.

You can do so many things to encourage outdoor play when the weather is cooler.  We took this opportunity to visit a local park and enjoy the sights while we played along the trails in Tallulah Falls.  Kids love to play outside and when you can show them the beauty of nature, you can create a learning experience, too.

When your kids are playing outside and getting fresh air, it does your body and soul good! You can go to your local playground , state park, or even your backyard for outdoor play  The possibilities are endless. Bottom line, outdoor play is FREE and you should take advantage of it every chance you get.

Ask your friends to tag along for outdoor play!  There is not anything more beautiful than seeing kids playing with one another outdoors.  The clean crisp air this time of year is perfect for outdoor play.

Your kids can play year round.  It keeps kids moving, lets them get exercise, and encourages their imaginations. I cannot think of anything better you can do for your child than outdoor play!

Visit Voice of Play to learn more about this initiative.  

The post is brought to you by Activate by Bloglovin and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

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Butterball Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a delicious Butterball Turkey! Two readers will win!


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