Yes, it's early! I like to get my Christmas shopping done before Halloween.
I avoid the crowds; avoid the last-minute "oh, we're out of stock".

For my brother Scott, who has been taking cooking classes at a local bistro,
I ordered a chef's coat. I had it embroidered "Chez McQuown". I also
bought him a fajita grill complete with a tortilla warmer from cooking.com.
For my oldest brother, Paul, something also along the tex-mex cooker lines.
Since he sometimes reads here I won't say exactly what it is

Food and cooking items seem to be a theme in our family when it comes to
gifts. I take that as a good thing.

Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
: Yes, it's early! I like to get my Christmas shopping done
before Halloween.
: I avoid the crowds; avoid the last-minute "oh, we're out of
stock".
:
: For my brother Scott, who has been taking cooking classes at a
local bistro,
: I ordered a chef's coat. I had it embroidered "Chez McQuown".
I also
: bought him a fajita grill complete with a tortilla warmer from
cooking.com.
: For my oldest brother, Paul, something also along the tex-mex
cooker lines.
: Since he sometimes reads here I won't say exactly what it is
:
: Food and cooking items seem to be a theme in our family when it
comes to
: gifts. I take that as a good thing.
:
: Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
:
: Jill
:
: ==========

Started? <snort> I'm almost DONE. Nanananananannananananana!

I have a few books still on order, for gifts. A few friends and
relatives will be getting some homemade Vanilla Cordial and I
still have some pajamas left to finish sewing. All of the
store-bought gifts (minus the above books) are already purchased
and in storage totes until it's time to wrap them. Last year, I
had all of the wrapping done in October and it made waiting for
Christmas impossible!! This year I'm waiting until November -
besides, it'll help to get "into" Christmas. Oh, I'll also be
making some biscotti around the end of November. That's it! All
done! Woo-hoo!

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

Rick & Cyndi wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message

> : Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?

> Started? <snort> I'm almost DONE. Nanananananannananananana!

> besides, it'll help to get "into" Christmas. Oh, I'll also be
> making some biscotti around the end of November. That's it! All
> done! Woo-hoo!

I firmly believe in karma. Your biscotti will burn and taste icky.

So there.

nancy

On Sun, 05 Oct 2003 22:01:29 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi"
> wrote:

>"jmcquown" > wrote in message
.. .
>: Yes, it's early! I like to get my Christmas shopping done
>before Halloween.
>: I avoid the crowds; avoid the last-minute "oh, we're out of
>stock".
>:
>: For my brother Scott, who has been taking cooking classes at a
>local bistro,
>: I ordered a chef's coat. I had it embroidered "Chez McQuown".
>I also
>: bought him a fajita grill complete with a tortilla warmer from
>cooking.com.
>: For my oldest brother, Paul, something also along the tex-mex
>cooker lines.
>: Since he sometimes reads here I won't say exactly what it is
>:
>: Food and cooking items seem to be a theme in our family when it
>comes to
>: gifts. I take that as a good thing.
>:
>: Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
>:
>: Jill
>:
>: ==========
>
>Started? <snort> I'm almost DONE. Nanananananannananananana!
>
You people are disgusting! ;>

Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
: Rick & Cyndi wrote:
: >
: > "jmcquown" > wrote in message
:
: > : Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
:
: > Started? <snort> I'm almost DONE.
Nanananananannananananana!
:
: > besides, it'll help to get "into" Christmas. Oh, I'll also
be
: > making some biscotti around the end of November. That's it!
All
: > done! Woo-hoo!
:
: I firmly believe in karma. Your biscotti will burn and taste
icky.
:
: So there.
:
: nancy
==========

Guess who gets the first batch?
LOL

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
>
> Jill

Yep. ;-p
I usually do gift baskets which always include a few 'foodie' type gifts.
This year they'll include (all homemade) BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, cookies,
Barb's brownies, soaps,
and other non-homemade things.

Stace

jmcquown wrote:

> Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?


It's not December 24 yet...

~john!

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> Rick & Cyndi wrote:
> >
> > "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>
> > : Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
>
> > Started? <snort> I'm almost DONE. Nanananananannananananana!
>
> > besides, it'll help to get "into" Christmas. Oh, I'll also be
> > making some biscotti around the end of November. That's it! All
> > done! Woo-hoo!
>
> I firmly believe in karma. Your biscotti will burn and taste icky.
>
> So there.
>
> nancy

She has 'remove the "b" to reply. With three kids at home and only a few
items picked up here and there, I muttered the 'b'' word after reading this.
-Ginny
(It's a joke, okay, I don't mean to say Cyndi really is one.....)

"levelwave" > wrote in message
...
> jmcquown wrote:
>
> > Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
>
>
> It's not December 24 yet...
>
> ~john!


What, no Hoohooter or tintooklers are requested at your house? Must haves
that never even were sent from the warehouse?
=Ginny

>

in article Zw0gb.502920$cF.178898@rwcrnsc53, Rick & Cyndi at
wrote on 10/5/03 6:01 PM:

> Oh, I'll also be
> making some biscotti around the end of November. That's it! All
> done! Woo-hoo!
>
> Cyndi
> <Remove a "b" to reply>
>

I understand it's appropriate to give biscotti as chanukah gifts too....
:-)

giggle

"Virginia Tadrzynski" > wrote in message
...
:
: "Nancy Young" > wrote in message
: ...
: > Rick & Cyndi wrote:
: > >
: > > "jmcquown" > wrote in message
: >
: > > : Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
: >
: > > Started? <snort> I'm almost DONE.
Nanananananannananananana!
: >
: > > besides, it'll help to get "into" Christmas. Oh, I'll also
be
: > > making some biscotti around the end of November. That's
it! All
: > > done! Woo-hoo!
: >
: > I firmly believe in karma. Your biscotti will burn and taste
icky.
: >
: > So there.
: >
: > nancy
:
: She has 'remove the "b" to reply. With three kids at home and
only a few
: items picked up here and there, I muttered the 'b'' word after
reading this.
: -Ginny
: (It's a joke, okay, I don't mean to say Cyndi really is
one.....)
:
: =============

LOL

Ginny, *you* would've been allowed.

This year seems to have flown and quite frankly, I've been
running around today shaking my head and wondering where the heck
it went. Shoot! One day it's the middle of June and I've got
all the time in the world and the next... oh my gosh, it's
already OCTOBER!!! Hurry, hurry... December is around the
corner! Arrgghh! Actually, I might not have been quite so far
along in the game this year if it weren't for having to go to
Florida during Christmas week and having been there for a month,
earlier this year. I've had to make up for losing ground <shrug>
but I still feel like I'm behind.

I still have 3 pair of little boy pajamas to make, 2 pair of
women's,4 men's boxers, and finish sewing one blouse (SIL
birthday's the week before Christmas, as is mine).

Thankfully, Hamilton Books (Edward R. Hamilton, Bookseller...) is
usually pretty quick with orders so... if all works as planned I
should have everything done by Thanksgiving. Put the tree up,
wrap presents, then make Biscotti and be done. Yay!!!

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

"Sheryl Rosen" > wrote in message
...
: in article Zw0gb.502920$cF.178898@rwcrnsc53, Rick & Cyndi at
: wrote on 10/5/03 6:01 PM:
:
: > Oh, I'll also be
: > making some biscotti around the end of November. That's it!
All
: > done! Woo-hoo!
: >
: > Cyndi
: > <Remove a "b" to reply>
: >
:
: I understand it's appropriate to give biscotti as chanukah
gifts too....
: :-)
:
: giggle
:
======

Is that a hint? LOL

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

On Sun, 5 Oct 2003 16:30:18 -0500, jmcquown > wrote:
[snip]
> Food and cooking items seem to be a theme in our family when it comes to
> gifts. I take that as a good thing.
>
> Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?

Some. One family member who loved Penzey's creamy peppercorn
dressing mix is getting the salad dressing mix gift box. My dad is
getting one of those small metal smoker boxes you can use with
electric/gas grills, and a bag of apple or cherry wood chips. Maybe a
cookbook on smoking, too. Costco's gift section has some sinful
looking chocolate gift boxes that would work for cool presents, too.
I'm eyeing the chocolate truffles for myself. ;P

That's it so far for the food-related gifts, I do have some
non-edible presents for people already, too. Ideally, the shopping
should be all done at least a week or two before Christmas.

Ariane

"Ariane Jenkins" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 5 Oct 2003 16:30:18 -0500, jmcquown >
wrote:
> [snip]
> > Food and cooking items seem to be a theme in our family when it comes to
> > gifts. I take that as a good thing.
> >
> > Have any of you started shopping for the holidays?
>
> Some. One family member who loved Penzey's creamy peppercorn
> dressing mix is getting the salad dressing mix gift box. My dad is
> getting one of those small metal smoker boxes you can use with
> electric/gas grills, and a bag of apple or cherry wood chips. Maybe a
> cookbook on smoking, too. Costco's gift section has some sinful
> looking chocolate gift boxes that would work for cool presents, too.
> I'm eyeing the chocolate truffles for myself. ;P
>
> That's it so far for the food-related gifts, I do have some
> non-edible presents for people already, too. Ideally, the shopping
> should be all done at least a week or two before Christmas.
>

Christ on crutches! Anyone who mentions the word "Christmas" in early
October should be shot, drawn and quartered, boiled in oil, and flayed.
Miserable commercialized claptrap.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.

On Tue, 07 Oct 2003 00:16:31 GMT, Peter Aitken > wrote:
>
> Christ on crutches! Anyone who mentions the word "Christmas" in early
> October should be shot, drawn and quartered, boiled in oil, and flayed.
> Miserable commercialized claptrap.

LOL... I bet the sight of Christmas ornaments and
decorations in stores sends you into foaming-at-the-mouth fits of
rage.

The holidays are hectic and can be a real pain in the butt,
I completely agree. And I wouldn't mind not seeing Christmas stuff or
hearing Christmas music until at LEAST after Thanksgiving. But I DO like
trying to come up with presents people close to me will enjoy, and it's
easiest for me stress-wise if I don't wait until the last minute. On
a food-related note, Penzeys has been just great in that respect.
Erik's sister loved the pizza stone and Penzey's spices we got for her
last year, and her mother did, too. And hey, if anyone's thinking of
me, it's hard to go wrong with gifts of FOOD.

Ariane

in article , Rick & Cyndi at
wrote on 10/6/03 2:53 PM:

> "Sheryl Rosen" > wrote in message
> ...
> : in article Zw0gb.502920$cF.178898@rwcrnsc53, Rick & Cyndi at
> : wrote on 10/5/03 6:01 PM:
> :
> : > Oh, I'll also be
> : > making some biscotti around the end of November. That's it!
> All
> : > done! Woo-hoo!
> : >
> : > Cyndi
> : > <Remove a "b" to reply>
> : >
> :
> : I understand it's appropriate to give biscotti as chanukah
> gifts too....
> : :-)
> :
> : giggle
> :
> ======
>
> Is that a hint? LOL
>
> Cyndi
> <Remove a "b" to reply>
>
>

only if you think it is!
besides, i can't bake, i've only got one good hand.

"Sheryl Rosen" & Cyndi wrote lots of stuff and then <SNIP>

: > : I understand it's appropriate to give biscotti as chanukah
: > gifts too....
: > : :-)
: > : giggle
: > ======
: >
: > Is that a hint? LOL
: >
: > Cyndi
: > <Remove a "b" to reply>
:
: only if you think it is!
: besides, i can't bake, i've only got one good hand.
:
========

*That* can't be true; especially, since I've heard about some of
the things that you can cook... but if I say that I think it's a
hint then I might give away the idea of what I had for you around
that time of year... but I won't say it so you won't know.
<snort>

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

"Peter Aitken" > wrote in message
m...
> >
>
> Christ on crutches! Anyone who mentions the word "Christmas" in early
> October should be shot, drawn and quartered, boiled in oil, and flayed.
> Miserable commercialized claptrap.
>

Amen! This thread perfectly illustrates how a perfectly good holiday has
been sold down the river.

A week after labor day, I could not find lump charcoal at the local mallwart
but the holiday stuff was already on the shelves. Not to mention a talking
plastic santa, which I umm....kinda knocked over with a solid right hook.
Xmas in America is real bullshit, as this thread aptly shows.

Jack Shallow

Jack Schidt® wrote:
> "Peter Aitken" > wrote in message
> m...
>>>
>>
>> Christ on crutches! Anyone who mentions the word "Christmas" in early
>> October should be shot, drawn and quartered, boiled in oil, and
>> flayed. Miserable commercialized claptrap.
>>
>
> Amen! This thread perfectly illustrates how a perfectly good holiday
> has been sold down the river.
>
> A week after labor day, I could not find lump charcoal at the local
> mallwart but the holiday stuff was already on the shelves. Not to
> mention a talking plastic santa, which I umm....kinda knocked over
> with a solid right hook. Xmas in America is real bullshit, as this
> thread aptly shows.
>
> Jack Shallow

The ONLY reason I start shopping for Christmas in October is precisely
because I don't want the hassel of the last minute "find a gift" garbage.
I'd be perfectly happy to bypass the holiday completely. I agree it is far
too commercialized. There are no young children in my family; I can't
really understand why self-supporting adults feel the need to get/give
gifts. But, it is expected of me to be somewhat of a good sport and
participate in this ritual. So I get the purchasing part over with as soon
as I possibly can.

Jill

"jmcquown" <, Jack Schidt® "Peter Aitken" & I Wrote a bunch of
stuff...when <SNIP>
:
: The ONLY reason I start shopping for Christmas in October is
precisely
: because I don't want the hassel of the last minute "find a
gift" garbage.
: I'd be perfectly happy to bypass the holiday completely. I
agree it is far
: too commercialized. There are no young children in my family;
I can't
: really understand why self-supporting adults feel the need to
get/give
: gifts. But, it is expected of me to be somewhat of a good
sport and
: participate in this ritual. So I get the purchasing part over
with as soon
: as I possibly can.
:
: Jill
:
: =============

Well... not that any of us need to defend our actions but I shop
all year long for the 'bought' portions of my gifts... clearance
and end of season items, etc.. I too, have become frustrated
with the "commercialization" of Christmas, over the last couple
of decades, which is why the majority of gifts from me are
homemade.


Disclaimer Notice: The below may not be of interest to you...

This year my theme is pajamas. The guys are getting boxers
simply because none of them will actually wear pajamas and I'm
not going to waste that much fabric and that many hours for them
to put them on a shelf in the back of the closet! The girls are
getting a 3 1/2 piece set: 1 chemise top, one short sleeved shirt
with snap-on sleeve attachments to make them long and a pair of
shorts with snap-on attachments to make them into pants. My
nephew is getting a robe (it turned out VERY COOL, if I say so
myself - first one I ever made!) and a set (2 if I have time) of
pajamas. My mom's (technically, ex-step mom) husband is getting
a vodka serving set with homemade Vanilla Cordial. Blah, blah,
blah. Several other friends are getting baked goodies....

My problem(s) <snort - I probably have more than *I'll* ever
admit to... LOL> with the Christmas Season are the stores looking
for their annual big profit by using shameless commercials and
their constant yammering that you HAVE TO buy gifts/give gifts
for practically everyone that you know...! @$#% *That's* not the
'Spirit of Christmas'! And I will not 'give' just to give... I
give to those whom *I* want to give to and I give what I can
afford to give (whether that be store-bought or something that I
have the time/energy/resources to make). Rut-roe... tangent!
LOL

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

On Tue, 07 Oct 2003 15:51:44 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi"
> wrote:


>
>This year my theme is pajamas. The guys are getting boxers

I like mine almost to the knees. Size 38. Hot pink please. <eg>

Gar

<Gar> wrote in message
news : On Tue, 07 Oct 2003 15:51:44 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi"
: > wrote:
:
:
: >
: >This year my theme is pajamas. The guys are getting boxers
:
: I like mine almost to the knees. Size 38. Hot pink please.
<eg>
:
: Gar
=======

Be careful what you wish for...

LOL

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

Ariane Jenkins wrote:
>
<snippage, for brevity>

> The holidays are hectic and can be a real pain in the butt,
> I completely agree. And I wouldn't mind not seeing Christmas stuff or
> hearing Christmas music until at LEAST after Thanksgiving. But I DO like
> trying to come up with presents people close to me will enjoy, and it's
> easiest for me stress-wise if I don't wait until the last minute. On
> a food-related note, Penzeys has been just great in that respect.
> Erik's sister loved the pizza stone and Penzey's spices we got for her
> last year, and her mother did, too.

<spacing, for emphasis>

> And hey, if anyone's thinking of
> me, it's hard to go wrong with gifts of FOOD.
>
> Ariane

Yeah, you couldn't go wrong, but you sure could go *broke* trying to buy
that much food.

Boli

"Bolivar" < & Ariane Jenkins wrote:
: >
:<Snipped again>
:
: > And hey, if anyone's thinking of
: > me, it's hard to go wrong with gifts of FOOD.
: >
: > Ariane
:
: Yeah, you couldn't go wrong, but you sure could go *broke*
trying to buy
: that much food.
:
: Boli
===========

Boli? What are you trying to say here? Are you suggesting that
she has very diverse tastes and like a great many things... or
are you saying she eats a lot? <snort>

Sorry Ariane, he left that wide open...

I'm the same way - gifts of food or cookbooks for me...or kitchen
gadgets... or... OH, I know, MONEY... then I can buy food,
cookbooks and more gadgets!

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 15:57:08 GMT,
Rick & Cyndi > wrote:

> Boli? What are you trying to say here? Are you suggesting that
> she has very diverse tastes and like a great many things... or
> are you saying she eats a lot? <snort>

Yes. <g>

> Sorry Ariane, he left that wide open...

No, he didn't. That ornery coot MEANT to imply I'm a
glutton, which is a case of pot/kettle/black if I ever saw one!
See if he gets any more Mongolian Stewed Garlic, hmmph.

> I'm the same way - gifts of food or cookbooks for me...or kitchen
> gadgets... or... OH, I know, MONEY... then I can buy food,
> cookbooks and more gadgets!

I hear you, Cyndi... I'm mostly okay for cookbooks
because we have a lot and not that much storage space. Edibles, on
the other hand, require only very temporary space. ;D I do have a
fondness for appliances and gadgets as well. (Which is part of the
reason why we've got limited storage space!) Damsel found this cool
little stand for me with lots of small ramekins for holding condiments
and things, I can't wait to use it.

Ariane

"Ariane Jenkins" & Cyndi decided to talk a bit...
:
: I hear you, Cyndi... I'm mostly okay for cookbooks
: because we have a lot and not that much storage space.
Edibles, on
: the other hand, require only very temporary space. ;D I do
have a
: fondness for appliances and gadgets as well. (Which is part of
the
: reason why we've got limited storage space!) Damsel found this
cool
: little stand for me with lots of small ramekins for holding
condiments
: and things, I can't wait to use it.
:
: Ariane
:
==============

I was 'okay' on cookbooks 20 years ago... but that's one of my
passions. I can read those until the cows come home (or did they
ever leave... next category - beef <G>). Sheryl sent me some
recently which encouraged me to go out and pick up another
bookcase. I'm thinking that I might quit acquiring cookbooks
once I have an entire room wall-to-wall with bookcases filled
with them, of course, at that point I'll probably find the need
to add another room to the house... <VBG>.

The ramekin stand sounds neat. I might just need to add one of
those to my Wish-list. Poor Rick, by the time he hears me
mention something that I want it's too late. Within 2 weeks I
get so impatient I just go out and get it. He's already been
informed that gift certificates for the local massage therapist
are ALWAYS a welcome gift!

Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 20:48:01 GMT, "Rick & Cyndi"
>I was 'okay' on cookbooks 20 years ago... but that's one of my
>passions. I can read those until the cows come home (or did they
>ever leave... next category - beef <G>). Sheryl sent me some
>recently which encouraged me to go out and pick up another
>bookcase. I'm thinking that I might quit acquiring cookbooks
>once I have an entire room wall-to-wall with bookcases filled
>with them, of course, at that point I'll probably find the need
>to add another room to the house... <VBG>.

I was at that stage before I started traveling. I was at the point
where I had 4 huge (7 feet tall) bookcases completely filled: I
estimate I had over 1000 cookbooks. I couldn't bear to leave behind
all my cookbooks, and I took 3 boxes with me. And of course you know
all us cookbook addicts can't NOT buy another one! So I am gradually
expanding to 4 boxes as of this point. I might have to hire a
trailer to haul my cookbooks around....<VBG>

I am now getting ready to buy another gadget/appliance: a Bron
Mandoline.

Christine

Rick & Cyndi saw Sally selling seashells by the seashore and told us
all about it on Tue, 07 Oct 2003 02:38:23 GMT:

>"Sheryl Rosen" & Cyndi wrote lots of stuff and then <SNIP>
>
>: > : I understand it's appropriate to give biscotti as chanukah
>: > gifts too....
>: > : :-)
> : > : giggle
> : > ======
>: >
>: > Is that a hint? LOL

>: only if you think it is!
>: besides, i can't bake, i've only got one good hand.
>:
>========
>
>*That* can't be true; especially, since I've heard about some of
>the things that you can cook... but if I say that I think it's a
>hint then I might give away the idea of what I had for you around
>that time of year... but I won't say it so you won't know.

That was before she decided that her hand would look better in a
cast...

I haven't even THOUGHT about Christmas in more than the most vague of
general terms... I'll be making something for gifts but I have no idea
what. Last year it was individual platters of goodies, and the year
before I made Christmas Angels. I need a bright idea for something
incredibly easy to create that doesn't require a sewing machine (I
can't sew) and that people will say 'oh wow! Thanks!' when I hand it
to them on Christmas Day, and that they won't mind that everyone else
is getting one the same but in a different colour... lol And it's also
got to be CHEAP... Any ideas?

(huggles)

~Karen AKA Kajikit

Nobody outstubborns a cat...

Visit my webpage: http://www.kajikitscorner.com
Allergyfree Eating Recipe Swap: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Allergyfree_Eating
Ample Aussies Mailing List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ampleaussies/

"Kajikit" < & Cyndi

<snip

:
: I haven't even THOUGHT about Christmas in more than the most
vague of
: general terms... I'll be making something for gifts but I have
no idea
: what. Last year it was individual platters of goodies, and the
year
: before I made Christmas Angels. I need a bright idea for
something
: incredibly easy to create that doesn't require a sewing machine
(I
: can't sew) and that people will say 'oh wow! Thanks!' when I
hand it
: to them on Christmas Day, and that they won't mind that
everyone else
: is getting one the same but in a different colour... lol And
it's also
: got to be CHEAP... Any ideas?
:
: (huggles)
:
: ~Karen AKA Kajikit
========

Karen can you baste stitch or whip stitch by hand? I saw an idea
the other day where somebody was buying velor (sp - like velvet
but less $$), and quilting fiberfil and they made mittens... So
(sew - lol) why am I only able to come up with sewing ideas!!
Arrgghh!

Ornaments? Purchase clear, glass ornaments. There are a few
different shapes out there; heart, round, etc.. Take a picture
that you've downloaded/scanned into your computer and print it
out at a size that could fit into your ornament 2 1/2" x 3"
(?)... Take the top off of the ornament. Now carefully roll up
your picture (around a pencil, if you need), not too tightly, and
insert it into the ornament. Using your pencil or a paperclip -
reach inside the ornament to open the picture up... Replace top.
At this point you could attach a colorful cord and or ribbons to
set off the ornament...

Snowman Kits? A friend of ours covered a shoe box with christmas
wrap - and inside was a pair of mittens and a hat and several
wooden balls that she painted that she attached to plastic sticks
(about the length of lolly pop sticks - golf tees would be too
short). The balled sticks are to be used for the eyes, mouth,
buttons for the snowman. She said she was going to put a carrot
in it... but decided against it in case we forgot to take it out
before putting it away after the holidays... Oh, she also put in
a video of "Frosty". Most of the items you can find at a
discount store and/or Wal-Mart...

Can you crochet? My SIL learned how last year and made
scarves...

A couple of years ago, I gave my BIL a 'Beer Bread Kit'. Inside
the bag/box was a metal loaf pan, a 6-pack of beer and a couple
of sealed bags of my Beer Bread mix (all of the dry
ingredients) - along with the directions. His directions were
something like: Mix, stir, Grease pan and bake... along with
drink 1 beer while making the bread, use 1 in the bread and drink
another when eating the bread... Repeat!

Beer Bread

3 cups all-purpose Flour
1 TBSP Baking Powder
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 cup Sugar
12 oz Beer

Mix all together and pour into a greased loaf pan.

Bake at 350 F. for approximately one hour.

Other options: Mix in garlic powder and Italian herbs.


I've got a headful of allergies or the beginning of a cold and
can't think straight... I'll E-mail you some more ideas later
on...

Cyndi
(remove a 'b' to reply)

Kajikit wrote:
>
> I haven't even THOUGHT about Christmas in more than the most vague of
> general terms... I'll be making something for gifts but I have no idea
> what. Last year it was individual platters of goodies, and the year
> before I made Christmas Angels. I need a bright idea for something
> incredibly easy to create that doesn't require a sewing machine (I
> can't sew) and that people will say 'oh wow! Thanks!' when I hand it
> to them on Christmas Day, and that they won't mind that everyone else
> is getting one the same but in a different colour... lol And it's also
> got to be CHEAP... Any ideas?

Last year I bought some cheap terracotta pots from "GoLo", some of that
ribbon with wire in it and a bag of potting mix. I have Arum Lillies at
home and they propogate like mad, so I transplanted some to the pots and
gave them to my neighbours. The pots were $2 each, as was the reel of
ribbon and the bag of mix. Basically a $2 gift per person.

To keep it on a foodie level, I also have done the same with fresh herbs (
from Bunnings = cheap ) and potted them up for friends who only use the
dried Masterfoods crap. Look great, and hopefully you'll help them develop
a new appreciation for fresh herbs


--
Gold ODDY Winner, 2002

Rick & Cyndi saw Sally selling seashells by the seashore and told us
all about it on Fri, 10 Oct 2003 15:20:34 GMT:

Thanks for the cute wintery gift ideas... I hope they can help someone
else out! Alas I live in Australia and people would look at me kind of
strange if I gave them mittens or a snowman kit at all, let alone in
the middle of summer! lol

Sorry I forgot to mention that...
(huggles)

~Karen AKA Kajikit

Nobody outstubborns a cat...

Visit my webpage: http://www.kajikitscorner.com
Allergyfree Eating Recipe Swap: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Allergyfree_Eating
Ample Aussies Mailing List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ampleaussies/

Kajikit > wrote in
:

> Rick & Cyndi saw Sally selling seashells by the seashore and told us
> all about it on Fri, 10 Oct 2003 15:20:34 GMT:
>
> Thanks for the cute wintery gift ideas... I hope they can help someone
> else out! Alas I live in Australia and people would look at me kind of
> strange if I gave them mittens or a snowman kit at all, let alone in
> the middle of summer! lol
>

I wouldn't look at you kind of strange if you gave me mittens in winter
<g>, but I probably would if I got them for Christmas! I agree that places
with enough snowfall in winter to build snowmen are pretty much limited to
the skifields areas in southern NSW and Victoria, so snowmen kits probably
would cause strange looks even in winter, but I definitely wear
gloves/mittens in winter - it's certainly cold enough for them here.
Whereabouts are you Kajikit?


--
Rhonda Anderson
Penrith, NSW, Australia

"Kajikit" < & Cyndi saw Sally selling seashells by the seashore
and told us
: all about it on Fri, 10 Oct 2003 15:20:34 GMT:
:
: Thanks for the cute wintery gift ideas... I hope they can help
someone
: else out! Alas I live in Australia and people would look at me
kind of
: strange if I gave them mittens or a snowman kit at all, let
alone in
: the middle of summer! lol
:
: Sorry I forgot to mention that...
: (huggles)
:
: ~Karen AKA Kajikit
:====

Sorry Karen, I knew that but just am not able to think clearly
with this blankety-blank head cold!

I guess I can understand not wanting to give a gift that can't be
used for another 5 months or so... <stupid head cold...> Come to
think about it, whenever I do give an off-season gift I also try
to give something that can be used/eaten now.

So. Now that the medicine is beginning to kick in I came up with
this thought:

Have you ever wanted to take the keys off of sombody's key board
and rearrange them into the "proper" alphabet...?

--
Cyndi
<Remove a "b" to reply>

Rick & Cyndi wrote:

> Have you ever wanted to take the keys off of sombody's key board
> and rearrange them into the "proper" alphabet...?

Did something like that to a seriously bad hunt and peck typist.
It was hilarious.

nancy

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
: Rick & Cyndi wrote:
:
: > Have you ever wanted to take the keys off of sombody's key
board
: > and rearrange them into the "proper" alphabet...?
:
: Did something like that to a seriously bad hunt and peck
typist.
: It was hilarious.
:
: nancy
=======

Nancy! <covering mouth with hand due to extreme shock>

Oh my stars!! I would *never* have expected you to have done
anything like that!!

You're so bad... in such a good way!

Cyndi Surprised
<Remove a "b" to reply>