Appetizer and Gift Ideas

Yesterday started with LOTS of energy and coffee and oats and eggs.

If you read yesterday’s post, I didn’t have a picture of the cookie exchange.  I do today!

Gosh, I love those girls.  You can read here about our life-long friendship.

After getting through our morning routine, I headed to the gym solo.  Justin has been fighting a cold since last Thursday. Poor guy.  He really wanted to go to the gym yesterday, but I advised against it. Also, he didn’t want to be “that guy”, who is spreading his sickness all over the gym.

Back at home, I ate some chicken and rice casserole.

Then we leashed up the girls and went for a walk around the neighborhood.  It was a beautiful day in Kansas City and it felt great to get some fresh air.

Justin went to see a movie with his sister and Dad and I spent the rest of the day scouring Pinterest for appetizer and little gift ideas.

Here are some of my favorites.

(click on the picture to go to the owner’s site):

Puppy Chow. I have never made this little snack that seems to show up every where I go.  I am the guest that can not keep my hands out of it and before I know it am licking the last of the powdered sugar out of the bottom of the bowl.

Here are the two I have in mind: Cinnamon Gingerbread and candy cane.  Great for having out when guests come over and quick little gifts for the teachers, sitters and neighbors!

Cheese trays.  I think making them into trees is so cute and creative!

Food as food holders! I love the little crab dip filled cucumber cups.  And how neat are those anti-pasta filled salami cups?!

Food on a Stick!

The cheese ball.  Rolling it in parmesan and making a snowman is a bonus in my book!

Black bean fritters!  Well, these just look plain yummy!

Other gift ideas. Stove-top potpourri kits and vanilla-sugar almonds make my list for great little gifts!

What appetizers will be showing up at your holiday party?  Any small gift ideas you can share?