Sock Roses for Teacher Appreciation Week

If you are looking for a cute way to give an inexpensive token of appreciation to a special teacher this year, this sock rose craft is the perfect way to gift something fun and functional in a unique way.

This project is so easy! It comes together in matter of moments and really adds a lot to the presentation of a simple pair of socks! All you need is:

 a pair of socks

 a rubber band

 a 9" section of ribbon 

 and a wooden dowel rod or maybe a pencil for the stem

Begin by stacking your socks together and folding up the toe section.

Next, begin rolling from the top. Roll tightly! 

As you get to the folded top section, keep rolling in, this will be your outer petal.

As the socks are tightly rolled, secure them with your rubber band. I knotted it, then knotted it again, on the other side for a really snug hold.

Remove the rubberband.

Gently insert the pencil or wooden dowel into the "bottom" of the sock roses.

Make a single sock rose, or a dozen for a fun way to gift a special teacher something different this year as school comes to a close. 

I added some leftover Easter grass to a mason jar to make the presentation even sweeter!

These easy DIY photo puzzles are also a great homemade gift idea.

12+ Lasagna Recipes You Will LOVE!

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. I love to make a pan on Sunday for a family dinner that everyone will love. I found 12 lasagna recipes you will love that I know you are going to want to check out.  This list contains a variety of styles that are all really tasty!

This list contains options from veggie loaded roll ups to vegan options and even a lazy day instant pot variety. I know you will find one or two your family will want to dig into. 

Loaded Veggie Lasagna Rolls by Meal Plan Addict
Lasagna Soup by Celebrating Sweets
Cheesy Taco Lasagna
Easy Meat Lasagna by The Curious Frugal
Electric Skillet Chicken Lasagna by In the Kitchn
Lazy Instant Pot Lasagna by Meal Plan Addict
Lasagna Cupcakes by Protecting Your Pennies
Oven Ready Lasagna by Thrifty Frugal Mom
Classic Lasagna by Texan Erin
Taco Lasagna by Eating Richly
Eggplant and Tofu Lasagna  by The Mama Maven
Baked Lasagna Roll Ups by Swirls of Flavor

You might also want to check out this Mason Jar Lasagna recipe.

6 Sweet Santa Crafts

He's making a list and checking it twice, and the kids are losing their minds with the excitement of Santa's upcoming visit. To build on the fun of the Christmas festivities, I have found 6 Sweet Santa Crafts for my kids and I can't wait to share these ideas with you!

These are easy and adorable ways to bring the fun of Santa into your craft time this holiday season!
We are a family that loves to create. I am always looking for easy and fun ideas for the kids.


Santa's Sleigh Fingerprint Craft

Santa Handprint Ornaments

Santa Gift Tags

Paper Santa

Mason Jar Santa

Santa's Face Ornaments


Which of these Santa crafts is your favorite? I think they are all as cute as can be, but I am crazy for the Santa Face ornaments! My kid would love to make any of these fun projects.

Find more Christmas Content Here

6 Christmas Tree Inspired Snacks

Silhouette Made Christmas Snacks to Gift

20+ Gift Ideas for Women

Getting a great gift for a special woman in your life just got easier! I found 20+ Ideas that are awesome and will work with any budget! From a special size perfume for a chick on the go to a smart water bottle for a honey who needs to stay hydrated, this list has something on it for every woman!

I am a participant in the amazon affiliate program, clicking on a link and making a purchase results in my site earning a small commission at no cost to you.

Under $15
Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Set
Merlot Soap
Christmas Embossed Rolling Pin
Rose Gold Charging Stand
DKNY Stories  Parfum Travel Size

Under $25
Paperwhite Winter Bulb Kit
Archway Style Glass Terrarium 
Pedicure Foot Spa with Heat
Basil Mason Jar Growing Kit

Under $50
Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
Bamboo Bathtub Caddy and Tray
Smart Water Bottle
Kate Spade Garden Drive Jewelry Box
Homesick Candles in Road Trip Scent
Wine Saving Carafe 

Under $100
Gold Flatware Set
Agate Coaster Set
Bamboo Cheese Board with Cutlery
Coach Havana Sunglasses
Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Homemade strawberry syrup is a must make this summer. It captures the essence of summer in a simple syrup that compliments everything from cocktails to homemade popsicles. I even drizzled it over cake, and it was perfect!

When I was a kid, early in the summer, my grandpa would come calling, looking for some helping hands who were willing to go to the U-Pick-Em strawberry patch and fill bushel after bushel of berries. As his only grandchild, many times, I was the willing partner. We would head over, taking all of the back country roads, and spend the morning in the sun, bent over, picking the best berries. My grandpa, Popaw, would always poke through and make sure you had some berries with some green showing yet, as this added the right tartness to all of the wonderful things he would make with his haul. We would spend days cleaning, coring and slicing the berries. Some would become jam and jelly. Some were frozen for pies and shortcakes when the season had passed. Some were enjoyed on the spot naturally.

My Popaw passed away in 1999. I was 19 years old. I have missed him everyday since then. I can't pass a U-Pick-Em berry patch without stopping for at least a quart of fresh berries, with a little green showing on a few for balance. From one batch of fresh berries I made this wonderful simple syrup. It is so sweet, and it has the essence of summer just waiting to add something special to whatever you desire. 

Add a splash to lemonade for a refreshing treat, or maybe add some to your sprite like my daughter likes to do for a pretty pink strawberry soda. I like to add it to vodka in the summer while I sip the stress of the day away.

All you need is berries, sugar and water to pull this off.

Ingredients:

Water- 1 cup

Sugar- 1/2 cups

Strawberries, cored 2 cups

Directions:

Place the cored berries into a sauce pan.

Add water.

Add sugar.

Simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

Remove from heat, allow to cool for about 30 minutes.

Place a mesh sieve over a mason jar.

Pour the mixture into the sieve, pressing the berries with a spoon to release the juices.

Discard the berry mash left in the sieve. (I like to feed it to the birds, but do so away from your house, as it will draw bees too.)

Store with a lid, in the fridge for a month.

Add a splash into cocktails or soda.

Drizzle it on white cake for a colorful and sweet berry flavor.

Make homemade strawberry soda by adding it to club soda.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out all of my homemade soda recipes.

Favorites include:

Cherry Orange Soda Syrup

Mulberry Lime Soda

Strawberry Peach Soda

Blueberry Lime Soda

Homemade Peach Soda

Mulberry Lime Soda

Mulberry Lime Soda is a perfect summer treat! Make with fresh berries for a mocktail the whole family will love. There is nothing like this fresh, and perfectly tart homemade soda!

Summer is here and my neighbor has a mulberry tree. Lucky for me, he doesn't eat them himself and he is gracious enough to let my family linger in his yard and pick as many as we like. I love to pick them daily at the peak of ripeness, take them home to clean them, then pop them in the freezer for my pet turtle who loves to eat them. They make a nice treat in the winter for her. But this time, I decided to use a few to make a total summer treat. This mulberry lime soda is perfect for sharing or sipping solo.

This is such an easy soda to make. 

Use club soda, sprite or a soda stream machine for the base of the drink. 

Supplies:

1 lime

1/2 cup of mulberries

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of water

Mesh Strainer

Directions:

Combine berries, water, juice from half of a lime and sugar in a saucepan.

Over medium heat bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and allow the fruit syrup to simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour through a mesh strainer.

Discard fruit (This is wonderful over ice cream if you are so inclined.)

Allow the syrup to cool then store it in a bottle or mason jar.

When you are ready to enjoy this mulberry lime soda fill a glass with ice. Add sprite or club soda, leave a little room at the top of the glass.

Add 1 to 2 ounces of syrup to the glass. 

Garnish with a lime wedge or a few fresh berries.

Enjoy.

You can find all of my homemade soda recipes here.

Reader favorites include:

Cherry Orange Soda

Strawberry Peach Soda

Sweet Fritter Recipes

 

Sweet Dreams are Made of Fritters: Delicious Treats for Any Occasion

Fritters: those fluffy, golden pillows of fried dough aren't just for savory snacks! This post celebrates the delightful world of sweet fritters, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or adding a touch of whimsy to brunch or dessert.

Beyond the Donut: A Fritter History

Fritters have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. These early versions were often simple, made with basic ingredients like flour, water, and honey. Over time, cultures around the world embraced the fritter, adding their own unique flavors and variations. From Italian zeppole to Japanese sakura mochi, fritters offer a glimpse into global sweet treats.

The Sweet Fritter Formula

The beauty of sweet fritters lies in their adaptability. They share a similar foundation to savory fritters: a base of flour, a binding agent (like eggs), and leavening (like baking powder or yeast). But here, sugar takes center stage, creating treats that are both light and satisfyingly sweet.

Fritter Fantasia: A World of Sweet Inspiration

The possibilities for sweet fritters are truly endless! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Fruity Fun: Fresh berries, chopped apples, bananas, or peaches add bursts of juicy sweetness. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also be incorporated.
• Chocolate Cravings: Chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or a drizzle of melted chocolate elevate your fritters to decadent heights.
• Nutty Delights: Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a delightful crunch and richness.
• Spice It Up: A hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• The Perfect Pairing: Dust your fritters with powdered sugar, drizzle them with maple syrup or honey, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.

Frittering Tips for Triumph

• Ripeness Matters: Use ripe fruit for the best flavor and texture. Softer fruits like berries can be mixed in, while firmer fruits like apples might need to be chopped or grated.
• Temperature is Key: Don't overheat your oil! Aim for a medium temperature to ensure even cooking without burning the outside.
• Drainage is Delightful: For fruits with high water content, consider draining any excess juice before adding them to the batter to prevent soggy fritters.
• Golden Goodness: Just like with savory fritters, maintain a golden brown color for perfect texture and don't overcrowd the pan.

So ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary world of sweet fritters! With a little creativity and these helpful tips, you'll be whipping up delightful treats that will have everyone asking for more.

Here are some of my favorite sweet fritter recipes from around the web. Be sure to click thru the links to view the full recipes.

Homemade Banana Fritters by Small Town Woman

Apple Ring Fritters by Tikkido

Fritules  by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Crispy Banana Fritters by In the Kids Kitchen

Glazed Apple Fritters by Love from the Oven

Mock Apple Fritter Bread by Low Carb Yum

Maple Glazed Fritter Waffles by 3 Boys and a Dog

Sweet Potato Apple Fritters by Kidgredients

Apple Fritters by Sugar Spun Run

Peach Fritters by Hearth and Vine

Blueberry Fritters with Vanilla Glaze by Tao of Spice

Air Fryer Fritters by Fantabulosity 

Find more favorite recipes here:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

Golden Graham Cookies Crumbl Copycat

Mason Jar Lasagna 

Homemade Cherry Orange Soda Pop Syrup

Homemade Cherry Orange Soda is light, refreshing and perfect for sipping. It comes together with only a few ingredients to make a gourmet soda that you won't be able to get enough of.

This post contains affiliate links.

We have a  Drink Mate in the kitchen and I vowed to put it to use this summer. I made a delicious Strawberry Peach Soda recipe a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to make more fizzy drinks.  The neighborhood kids were more than happy to be my taste testers, so I started experimenting.

This is such an easy homemade soda pop recipe. If you are not using a soda machine like the drink mate or soda stream, you can make this work with club soda.

Supplies:

1 orange

1/2 pound of pitted fresh cherries

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of water

Mesh Strainer

Directions:

Combine fruit, water and sugar in a saucepan.

Over medium heat bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and allow the fruit syrup to simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour through a mesh strainer.

Allow the syrup to cool.

Discard fruit (This is wonderful over ice cream if you are so inclined.)

Soda directions:

Carbonate filtered water.
Add 2 ounces of cherry orange syrup per 8 ounces of carbonated water (or club soda) to ice.

If you want a stronger, sweeter soda increase the syrup from 2 to 3 ounces.

My family loved this. The kids liked the sweet, juicy, bubbly flavor. I loved that it was a caffeine free option and that I know what is in it, and that I can control the sweetness of this soda.

I served this on a hot day, with lots of ice. My husband mixed a little vodka into his and declared it to taste like summer should.

If your family loves this, next time double or triple the batch for the syrup. You can store it in a mason jar in the fridge for a few weeks.

When pitting your cherries, a cherry pitter is a handy tool to have. If not you can find other ways to get the job done. I sliced mine in half to make smashing the fruit even easier.

If you liked this cherry orange soda recipe you won't want to miss my Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda.

You might also like 12 Homemade Soda recipes.

Gifts for Foodies

Are you stumped on what to get a foodie on your list for Christmas this year? I have found some really tasty options that I know will be received with lip smacking delight! 

Samples were provided for original photography. Affiliate links may be used.

Foodies naturally love to sip on tasty beverages while they munch on all of the goodies. This Christmas give a gift that is stylish, eco friendly and travels easily with a Verdelix collapsible stainless steel drinking straw. These are awesome for on the go sips and will drastically reduce your plastic straw consumption. 

Give a coffee lover in your life a new way to indulge. These tasty  Eat Your Coffee bars are like a cup of good coffee to go, that never gets cold! Find them in an assortment of flavors, priced about $15 for 6 online.

Give the gift of flavor with an assortment of tasty K Pops sauces. Foodies will love the range that these sauces can bring to sandwiches and assorted dishes in the kitchen. I loved the Honey Glaze sauce which complimented stir fry wonderfully. Find it online for about $9 a bottle.

Alpine Start makes having a great cup of coffee possible, no matter where your favorite foodie might be this holiday season. With flavors like original, dirty chai lattee and coconut cream latte, there is a flavor for every foodie waiting to be discovered. Find it online for about $9 a box.

Subarz make for  tasty treat worthy of sharing this holiday season. These are bar cookies at their finest with flavors like Lemon Thyme and Chocolate Chip. They are like a cookie and a biscotti combined for a one of a kind, totally craveable goodie. Get them online for about $6 a box.

I like wine, but I can't always drink a bottle when I want to open one. That is why I love ICan Wine. Available in Rose and Chardonnay, this is a surprisingly good wine for something from a can. Add a few cans to a gift basket for a great gift anyone will appreciate. It is perfectly sized portions for adding a glass to dinner.

Protein Puffs by Shrewd Food  make a great way to snack without adding lots of carbs to the diet. Available in flavor from savor cheddar or nacho cheese or pepperoni pizza, to sweet cookies and cream, any foodie will dig these protein packed puffs for guilt free snacking.

I love the gift of healthier treats during the holidays when it is so easy to overindulge at your every whim. Burl Barley Granola offers some good for you granola that taste amazing. Gift a few bags of this made with barley goodness now to make turning over a new leaf easier at the first of the year or to add a crunchy bit of cheer to any holiday moment. Find it at select health food stores or online.

This holiday season add a handy gadget to the home bar with Drink Perfection. This contraption works with wine, tea, coffee, alcohol and more to make drinks the ideal temperature for consumption. Simply add ice and your favorite drink. Let the Drink Perfection work its magic and you can enjoy the flavors of your drink at the intended temperature. Get it online for under $50

Looking for a one of a kind gift this year for a pickle fanatic? Pickle Sips gives the flavors you crave save the indignity of sipping out of the pickle jar. This is interesting and a fun gift for a foodie or a unique addition to the home bar. Retailing at $6 a bottle and available in Sweet Heat and Dill varieties, this is sure to be an unforgettable gift for a foodie. Find it on Amazon or the Cin Chili online shop.

Winter is the best time to curl up with a cup of tea. Why not give your favorite foodie a subscription to excellent brewing opportunities with Free Your Tea. This subscription box starts at about $20 a month and gives a user influenced experience complete with adorable little empty tea bags for steeping. Order online 

Add a sweet and savory touch to a variety of dishes with Persian Gulf Baharat Spice Blend. This is so versatile it can go from a stew, to a chicken dish to a stone fruit based cobbler. Get this generous size bottle for serious foodies who love spices from Rumi for only $10.

Ice Cream Lovers rejoice at this gift idea. Get perfectly portioned cups of amazing ice cream delivered to their door in a delicious advent style countdown to the holidays with eCreamery. Get personalized options of gourmet ice cream starting at about $90. 

My favorite gifts are always the ones I can eat. Passion Pickles by Cin Chili are a great snack, or hostess gift this holiday season. Available in 2 varieties; Ghost Pepper and Habanero, these offer the ideal blend of crisp, sweet and heat. Add them to a relish tray, or just snack on them right out of the jar. Find them online for $6.

Foodies love to snack, so offer them something new to satisfy the palette this holiday season. Moziacs are popped chips that are made with so much more than potato. Each bite has bits of veggies in it for a wholesome snack that satisies. I love how these look like stained glass windows. Order online from Moziacs or Amazon.

If you want to give a simple gift with global flair, let me tell you about Loacker Quadratini Cookies. These are decadent little cubes of wafer cookie that are perfect for a foodie who loves coffee and sweets. Not into coffee? No worries, you can enjoy numerous other flavors like lemon coconut of vanilla. Order them online and spread a little Italian decadence with your holiday cheer.

Going to an event and want to spread a little cheer without straining your budget? Grab a dozen of these perfect for fall and winter flavors from Pure Ice. I love the Crisp Apple as a booze free option to toast this year. Find it at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger or Target.

Appetizers are always worth celebrating. This 8 pack of simply adorable plates from the Corelle Celebrations line features simple messages in cute script like "enjoy", "love", "share" and "gather". These make a perfect addition to the holiday table. Gift them to your favorite foodie for $30. Find them online.

Let your favorite foodie go green with these compostable utensils. No more guilt over throwing out single use plastics with a few of these from Twenty Fifty Fork. Get 4 boxes of 12 for under $50 online from Twenty Fifty Fork.

Shopping for an adventurous eater? These mini kicker cricket snacks are the way to go. in favors like cotton candy and Italian Lasagna, who could resist trying one? Get a few tubes from EntoLife online for about $6 each.

 Add a brain teaser to the house with these one of a kind puzzle coasters. These are perfect for adding something different to the coffee table or the home bar.

These aren't just glasses, they are maps too. Get these unique glasses as well as a number of other items like water bottles from Well Told and tell a unique story with each sip. Get a map of your town, or a special place that you have visited together.  Glasses come in an assortment of styles starting at $16.

Gummy Burgers make for a fun gift for foodies of all ages. These massive gummy burgers are made with an assortment of other gummy candies. Get these from Wicked Uncle Gifts for under $7 to add a sweet fruity smile to someone you loves face this holiday season.

Foodies like to be precise with their favorite recipes. This battery free kitchen scale helps them to find the perfect amount of seasonings, spices, veggies and more without dealing with dead batteries.  Find this model from Elessi for under $26. Get it from amazon for a green approach to precision in the kitchen.

Whipping up a batch of chili has never been easier with this chili cook off winning spice blend. Add this to your ingredients and take the wow factor up a notch with this mix from Cin Chili. Get it online for under $6.

Shopping for a coffee fanatic? Give them the gift of on the go indulgence for those mornings that they don't have time to hit the drive thru. Get all three flavors of McCafe Frappe's for about $3 a bottle at retailers nationwide.

Encourage celebration this holiday season with a fragrant, fruity and floral extra dry rose by Mionetto. This is a beautiful rose that has the ideal blend of fragrance and flavor. Find it at retailers for about $15 a bottle.

If you need a gift for a mushroom lover, this Mushroom Jerky is the way to go. It is distinctly unique and has a ton of flavor.  Find numerous varieties at the Pan's Mushroom site for $9 a bag.

Give a gift worthy of toasting this holiday season with another fab for any foodie offering from Mionetto. The DOC Processo is bubbly, brilliant and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Find it retailers for about $15 a bottle. You will be delighted by the wonderful quality of this brand.

Anya's Real Fruit Licorice are a really tasty and healthy snack to gift a foodie this year. These are chewy yet soft, packed with real fruit and a hit with kids young and old. Get it online at the Anya's site in 20 packs for $36

The Chocolate Chip of the Month Club is the ideal gift for any chocolate chip cookie fan. Send a box of comfort with a delectable twist right to their door. Prices start at $12 a month and feature great flavors and the cookies are HUGE! Order from the Chocolate Chip of the Month Club website.

Offer a little assortment to someone you love that loves chili flakes on their food or in their recipes. This trip from The Chili Lab has 3 different chili flake blends that are sure to tickle the tastebuds. Find this trip for under $25 at the Chili Lab site.

Got a condiment craver to find a great gift for? Why not gift the new greatest condiment ever, Must Ketch? This blends the two flavors we love on sadwiches, burgers, dogs and more. Get it from Amazon in great bold flavors that everyone will want to try,

Give the foodie in your life a special flavor for all their foods with this beautiful hand harvested french sea salt. Available in 4 flavors, this is truly a unique gift! Get all 4 online for $48 from Louis Sel.

If you need a gift for a Italian food fan, then this all occasion collection from Cookies Con Amore is the way to go. Featuring delectable treats like a jelly filled cookie and biscotti, this gift box has something for everyone. Get it for under $20 for a flavorful gift with global flair.

Wouldn't everyone be happy to score some dough on Christmas? With Eastern Standard Provisions Pretzels you can give the gift of some incredible pretzels, pretzel rolls and delectable salts for those goodies, which technically all come from dough, so your favorite foodie will delight in their gift! Order online, and let me know which offering you found irresistible!

The holidays are definitely a time of over indulgence, so why not try to balance things out with Mom's Best Granola? They have some tasty flavor options and granola is always a good snack. Visit the site for info on where to find your favorite flavors in stores for under $5 a bag.

If you want a simple gift for a foodie that you can feel good about, knowing it is going to be snacked away in no time, check out these really good cheese puffs from Barbara's.  They are about $2.50 a bag and are quite addictive! Use the store locator on the Barbara's website to find near you.

A true foodie has a fondness for fresh, so wrapping up a box of Food Vacbags for the holidays is like giving the gift of fresh for months to come.  Get a 100' roll of food storage bags that work with all vacuum sealers for about $24 online from the Food Vacbags website.

Need a gift that keeps on giving? Why not order a 6 month subscription to Bean Box? Your favorite foodie can get 4 sampler bags of excellent coffee for $19 a month. This is the best way to spread holiday cheer all year long for coffee lovers. Order online and explore the blends.

Give a of legal drinking age chick in your life a cocktail that is perfect for popping open to share. Two Chicks makes some really delicious options that get the conversation flowing! Find your favorite flavor and where to buy near you online.

If you need a little something for someone who loves craft salts, the salts from Mason's Market are the way to go. Starting at about $9 a tin, they have some awesome flavors and several grains. These are a welcome to any pantry and the tins are perfect for easy storage. Order online for adding some flavor and variety to dishes and dinners.

Find more awesome Christmas ideas here
Reader faves include:
Mickey Mouse Gift Tag Ornaments