Friday FaVeS!---Gifts, Family Fun, Decorations and Recipes!

Isn't this tree amazing? I love the fabric garland.

I love photography art. She has offered free downloads if you want to copy!

I have heard about this recipe from three different friends this week! My friend Amy gave me her recipe this morning so I thought I would share it with you.

Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 blocks (8oz) cream cheese
...1 cup Ranch Dressing
3/4 cup Texas Pete or any hot sauce
(more or less to your taste)
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Mix cream cheese, hot sauce and ranch dressing together well. Add chicken and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Pour in a 9 X 12 casserole dish and sprinkle rest of cheese on top. Bake for 35- 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with tortilla chips.
*Or you can put in crockpot.

I love a good magazine! Instead of baking cookies for some teachers on your list---try this. They would love it. (Believe me, it beats the the teachery- apple mug.=) Go here if you need more gift ideas for 5.00 or less!

When I saw this photo garland, I knew that it would be something I would love to try! I hope to start it next year! What a great way to display your family Christmas picture each year!

I am dying to try  this easy-do-it-yourself Christmas gift! However, it hasn't made it to the top of my list. (sorry, mom)  I can't wait to attempt this after Christmas!

Fave Ideas to do with your Family Over Christmas:

Recently, I had our mom2mom group over for a Christmas Party. My friend, Amy, gave a handout for some neat Ideas to do with your family over Christmas.....I thought I would name a few of my favorites here.

1. Start a Christmas Puzzle somewhere in your home. A puzzle table, placed in a quiet room is great for holiday visitors. Whenever guests want to get away from the action, they can retreat to work on the puzzle. It can be a great stress reliever and it is wonderful for those guests who always have to be busy doing something.

2. Challenge each member of your family to fill a box or bag full of clothes/toys to give away to a needy family. (Our mom's group loved participating in the adopt-a-child for Christmas!)

3. Do you love reading? I do! What was your favorite book you read this year? Buy it and give it someone you know would love it anonymously!

4. Several of my friends do this--and this is something neat that I would like to start with my kids! Have a special night where you all get in the van--- wear your PJ's--bring some Christmas Candy--or hot chocolate- Have some Christmas music playing-and go see the Christmas lights! My boys will love this!

5. We love to do this. Christmas is really a celebration of Jesus' Birthday! Why not have a Birthday party with cake and balloons for Jesus! My little Evan loves birthday parties---he knows that Christmas is Jesus Birthday! Celebrate it!

6. This one is one my favorites--The holidays can take their toll. Make a holiday tradition of recharging your own batteries. Gather your daughter/mom/best friend and head to the day spa for a much deserved pedicure or massage! (most likely this won't happen for me- but its a nice thought!)

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Leaving you with an awesome Home-made Hot Chocolate Recipe.

A lady in our church is known for this recipe!

Mix together and boil:

1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

Then add 1 quart of milk and stir!

Simple but awesome!!

Any other favorite ideas/recipes that you have read in blogland this week?