Homemade Gifts for the Holidays by Donna Fasano @DonnaFaz #SweetRomance

I love to give homemade gifts, and my friends and family seem to love receiving them. I saw pre-made Brownies in a Jar in the store recently for $12.99. You can make these yourself for a fraction of the cost. 

Here’s a how-to for Brownies in a Jar:

2 1/4 cups sugar

2/3 cup cocoa powder

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup walnut pieces

1/3 cup chocolate chips

1.     Pour the sugar into a clean 1 quart mason jar. Tap the jar lightly to compact. Pour in the cocoa and tap to compact. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Tap to compact. Lastly, add the nuts and chocolate chips. Screw on the lid and decorate the top with pretty wrapping paper and ribbon or twine.

2.     Attach the following instructions around the neck of the jar: Empty contents into a large bowl and stir all ingredients to combine. Add 3/4 cup of melted butter, 3 eggs, and 2 Tablespoons water. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Do not over mix. Pour batter into a greased 13” x 9” pan. Bake in a pre-heated 350º oven for 30 minutes. Cool before cutting into squares.

Have you ever given homemade gifts? What have you given? I love to get new ideas!

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DIY Christmas Gifts ~ Start Early to Avoid Stress by Donna Fasano @DonnaFaz

I can’t believe I’m saying this… but Christmas is just 7 and a half weeks away. I can hear you groaning! You’re talking about Christmas before Thanksgiving? Yes, I am. And there’s a good reason.

Homemade gifts are the absolute best. Giving family and friends special items that you took the time to make yourself offers a profound message about what the people in your life mean to you. And in order to find time to make DIY presents, an early start is necessary. Here are some cute and super easy ideas I found on-line.

 

Bath Bombs from Something Turquoise

1. Bath Bombs – Every woman in my life loves the luxury of a long, hot soak. These fizzy bath bombs would add a spa-like feel to any bath. They look very easy to make. Find the instructions at Something Turquoise. 

Photo Collage from House on the Way

2. Family Photo Collage Letters – These wooden letters are available in any craft store, and so is Mod Podge. All you need are some family photos and a pair of scissors, and you’re all set to craft a fun gift that any of your friends would love to hang on their wall. Find full instructions at House on the Way.

Body Butter from She Wears Many Hats

3. Body Butter – Three ingredients, all natural, I might add, are all you need to make this luscious, body-softening cream that can also be used as lip balm. This is a gift that will help alleviate the dry skin problems brought on by the cold winter months. Find out how to make this gift at She Wears Many Hats.

Do you give DIY Christmas gifts? What are some of the best DIY gifts you have given and received?

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About the author: Donna Fasano is a USA Today Bestselling Author who has written over 30 romance and women’s fiction titles. Her books have won awards, have been translated into nearly two dozen languages, and have sold four million copies worldwide. To learn more about Donna, visit her blog, or find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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