Out Of Season DIY Gift Giving

 Out Of Season Gift Giving: 

Easy DIY Gifts 'Just Because'!

Gift-giving is often reserved for special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. However, there’s something truly special about giving a gift "just because." So let's explore the concept of out-of-season gift giving, showcasing the beauty of easy DIY gifts that bring joy without the constraints of a calendar.

Out-of-season gift diving involves gifts that aren't bound to seasonal themes or events. This kind of gifting fosters spontaneity and thoughtfulness, allowing you to give from the heart anytime you want to. The joy of receiving a gift out of the blue can be incredibly uplifting, reminding us that we are cherished without needing a specific reason.

And, a gift handmade by you is much more special.

DIY Gifts to Create Anytime

Creating personalised gifts enhances the sentimental value and can be done with minimal resources. 

Here are a few ideas for easy DIY gifts that anyone can make:

· Handmade Greeting Cards: Use cardstock, stickers, dried and pressed flowers and leaves, coloured pens, water colour paints and scrapbook materials to craft your messages.

· Photo Memory Jars: Fill a jar with printed photos and notes that recall shared memories.

· Plant Cuttings in Pots: Pot plant cuttings or cuttings from your garden, presented in unique containers for a living gift.

A simple idea is to use an old can, painted brightly with acrylic paints, with holes punched in the bottom for drainage.

· Homemade Treats: Bake cookies or prepare homemade jams, packaged in charming boxes or jars with a handmade label or tag.

Here is another idea:

 'Spicy Powder Rub'

6 tablespoons of cumin powder

2 teaspoons Garam Marsala powder

4 tespoons tumeric powder

1 tsp of ground black pepper

1 tablespoon curry powder

3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder

3 teaspoons smoked paprika powder 

A small lidded jar - I used a brown glass one that is about 100ml - enough to hold 1/4 cup of powdered spices.

  

A hand-designed label was made and Mod Podge glued to the jar, with a thin twine rope bow finish to the gift.

You can print this label for your jar, or create one of your own.

The Art of Giving for No Reason

The essence of giving gifts 'just because' lies in building connections and expressing love. It’s a way to show appreciation and remind someone of their importance in your life. 

It is a kind memory that the gift receiver will not forget.

In a fast-paced world, taking the time to create and give a gift simply because you can is a beautiful thing. Embrace out-of-season gift diving, channel your creativity into DIY gifts, and spread joy without waiting for a designated occasion. Remember, the smallest gestures can create the loudest echoes in someone’s heart.

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My Gorgeous New Outdoor Potted Daisy

Let's Explore the Beauty of the Gorgeous Daisy Leucanthemum Banana Cream!

The Leucanthemum Banana Cream daisy is a delightful perennial that adds a splash of joy to any garden scape.

 Known for its colour and vibrant personality, this variety of daisy has quickly become a favourite among both seasoned flower enthusiasts and budding gardening aficionados alike.

 With their sunny dispositions, these flowers have the uncanny ability to uplift spirits and transform any outdoor space into a colourful oasis. Imagine walking through your garden on a warm summer day, the gentle breeze carrying the faint hint of a chrysanthemum like aroma, its vivid colours catching the sun. This is the enchanting presence of the Banana Cream daisy.

The Banana Cream daisy features stunning blooms that start off as yellow buds, then turning creamy lemon-yellow, eventually transforming to a soft white as they mature. 

This fascinating colour gradient offers a dynamic visual effect, as the transformation unfolds over the blooming season, creating a lovely interplay of hues that draws the eye.

Each flower head is adorned with delicate, soft petals that gracefully surround a lively yellow centre, reminiscent of the sun itself. 

The diameter of the flowers can reach an impressive three inches ( 8 cm), making them substantial enough to stand out in any arrangement or garden bed.

Growing Conditions

These daisies thrive in well-draining soil that is preferably enriched with organic matter such as compost, which enhances nutrient supply and fosters healthy growth. They enjoy full sun to partial shade, allowing them to bask in the sunshine while also being adaptable to the varying light conditions most gardens offer. When positioned correctly, Leucanthemum Banana Cream can reach heights of up to 24 inches (61 cm), creating a lush and vibrant presence in your garden, filling gaps with its radiant blossoms. For those new to gardening, fear not! This daisy variety is incredibly resilient, capable of surviving in a range of soil types, making it a forgiving choice for gardeners of all levels.

They also thrive in large pots!

Care Tips

To ensure optimal growth and a plentiful display of blooms, it is crucial to provide adequate watering, especially during dry spells; consistent moisture is key, but be mindful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Deadheading spent blooms is a simple yet highly effective practice that not only promotes a longer flowering season but also enhances the plant's overall appearance—it's like giving the daisies a little haircut that encourages them to produce even more blossoms! Fertilising with a balanced fertiliser in the spring can also boost blooming potential, ensuring your daisies are bursting with colour throughout the season. Additionally, consider mulching around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, allowing your Banana Cream daisies to thrive without competition for nutrients.

Attracting Pollinators

One of the most delightful features of the Leucanthemum Banana Cream is its ability to attract a myriad of pollinators. This daisy is a favourite among bees and butterflies, making it excellent for those looking to support local wildlife and create a sustainable ecosystem. The vivid blossoms act as beacons, drawing in these invaluable insects, which in turn assist in the pollination process that sustains many garden plants. By planting these daisies in your garden, you can create a vibrant ecosystem that not only enhances the beauty and health of your outdoor spaces but also plays a role in preserving local biodiversity. Observing bustling bees and fluttering butterflies among the blossoms truly brings the garden to life, adding an element of harmony with nature.

                              Daisies Mean 'True love'.

Because daisies are composite flowers, they are actually two flowers that have blended together in complete harmony. So, they have a meaning of true love. If you have an anniversary coming up or want to send romantic gesture flowers, then daisies are a perfect choice.

With their cheerful blooms and easy-care nature, the 'Leucanthemum Banana Cream' daisy is a vibrant addition to any garden. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in the soil, and let the 'Leucanthemum Banana Cream' daisy brighten up your life and garden! 

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A Christmas Message and Photographs

 

Wishing y'all a wonderful Christmas

 filled with love, joy and laughter.

Mia Bella Passions 

will greet you all again in the New Year

with new inspiration.

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How Fold A Paper Christmas Napkin

 Today I'm sharing a lovely way to present a paper Christmas Napkin.

As well as a simple table setting in Christmas greens and reds.

You will need:

Christmas design Paper Napkins

One large plate and one medium plate.

A fabric napkin.

A checked table mat.

Place the paper napkin on a table or bench.

Open  as shown with the fold to the right.

Hold your finger at the middle.

Pull down one layer of the napkin to create a triangle.

Flip it up to the line up with the top triangle.

You now have two triangles up that meet together, and a square of double layer napkin at the bottom.

Repeat steps for the bottom square of the napkin.

So it looks like this.

Then flip that triangle up to meet the other triangle you have folded.

This is what you will have created.

Hold by the top top and place on the dinner plate.

You now have a standing paper napkin Christmas tree!

I add a lovely ornament to the plate, and this year carved a small heart stone.

This is the finished table setting idea.

It's simple but Christmasy in green, white, cream and red colours.

To make a little heart rock, just look for small stones that are heart-shaped, as this one was.

Then I used 100-grit sandpaper to shape the cleft and lobes at the top.

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Frozen Honey Yoghurt Berry Bark

Looking for a refreshing and healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? 

Want a quick and easy recipe.

Look no further! 

 Frozen Yoghurt Berry Bark, topped with drizzles of honey, is the ultimate snack that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. 

Here's another reason you will love it!

 Frozen Yoghurt Berry Bark is versatile and can be customised to suit your taste. 

You can experiment with different kinds of berries, add your favourite nuts, or even sprinkle it with some dark chocolate chips for indulgence, and a little added energy. 

It's an excellent way to enjoy the health benefits of yoghurt, fruits and nuts while keeping your snack or dessert light and guilt-free!

Whether looking for a quick treat after a workout or something for that 3pm fade, this Frozen Yoghurt Berry Bark with Honey drizzles makes for a delightful and refreshing option. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a burst of flavours with every bite!

Frozen Honey Yoghurt Berry Bark

Ingredients:

2 cups fruity or Greek yoghurt

1/2 cup of frozen or fresh blueberries

A handful of frozen raspberries

1/4 cup sliced almonds

2 to 3 Tabblespoons of runny honey.

Method:

Line a rectangle flan/slice dish (size 36cm x 10cm - 14 inches x 4 inches) with baking parchment paper. Or spray with coconut oil if you are using one with a lift up base.

Spread the yoghurt evenly in the dish.

Scatter blueberries and crumbled raspberries over the yoghurt.

Sprinkle with flaked almonds.

Drizzle with runny honey.

Freeze overnight.

Lift out of the dish.

Place it on a wooden board, and using a sharp knife, cut it into large or small pieces.

Store in a freezer in an airtight container, with a piece of parchment paper between the layers of the bark.

Yield 24 servings.

You will find a printable recipe HERE.

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Cinnamon Scroll Cookies and Egg Nog

 

Make it MERRY with a fun Christmas family games night and supper.

Spend the evening having some good old fashioned fun...

Have a basket ready for all those phones and gadgets 

because they are banned for the night!

Enjoy card games.

Board Games.

And each others company.

When the games are over,

celebrate the season with a supper of cinnamon scroll cookies
 and a special, rich cinnamon Egg Nog.

Serve the Egg Nog alcohol-free for the children, or for the adults, be a little bit naughty with an added tot of whiskey or rum.

Make sure you enjoy the egg nog

with swirls of cream and cinnamon on top!

Egg Nog Recipe HERE.

Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

1 cup softened butter

1 teaspoon of vanilla essence extract

3/4 cup fine white sugar

1 large egg

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Using a cake mixer, cream the butter, vanilla essence and white sugar together until pale in colour.

Then add the egg.

Mix again.

Add the flour and baking powder and mix a dough.

On a floured board, place the dough and roll out into a rectangle shape that is 10 x 14 inch/ 25 x 36 cm in size.

Mix the brown sugar and the cinnamon together in a bowl.

Spread on top of the rolled dough, but leave an inch free of sugar at the far right short side.

Roll tightly from the other short side.

Moisten the sugar-free strip with water and roll, pressing lightly.

Cut your rolls into slices.

Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10 minutes at  180 C / 350 F.

Leave to cool completely on the tray.

Store in an airtight container.

Yield: 15 Cookies.

Rich Egg Nog

4 large egg yolks
1/3 cup granulated sugar 
2 cups whole milk 
1 cup heavy cream 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
Pinch of salt
Whiskey or rum  (optional, 1/2 to 1 cup, added after cooking) 

In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture lightens in colour and the sugar is completely dissolved.

 In a large saucepan, combine the milk, cream, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture just begins to simmer or steam (do not boil).

Temper the eggs: Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, a spoonful at a time, to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling.

 Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk. Return the saucepan to medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens slightly. 

Do not boil.

Remove the mixture from the heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract and alcohol (if using). 

Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or until cold.

 Whisk the eggnog and pour into glasses. Garnish each serving with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before enjoying. 

Yield: 4 servings

You will find a printable recipe HERE.

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#eggnog #christmas #christmascookies #cinnamon 

6 Wonderful Christmas Quotes & A Printable For YOU!

These are some of my favourite quotes:

May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.

- Martha Brook.

*

Love  is the true spirit of Christmas!

*

It's Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

- W.T Ellis

*

Christmas Magic is silent.

You don't hear it, you feel it.

You know it. You believe it.

- Kevin Alan Milne

*

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a JOY.

- Rumi

*

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

- Charles Dickens

Copy, paste, save and print.

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