Creative Gift Giving

The Carnival of Beauty topic this week has gotten me thinking about creativity. I enjoy being creative--and my creativity takes on many different forms. For example, sometimes I'm creative in my house cleaning and organizing, in my approach to homeschooling, in the ways I show my hunny and my children that I love them, etc.

The 1949 edition of Webster's Dictionary states that creative is an adjective meaning "having the power to originate; productive". Being creative helps me express who I am deep down inside, it helps lighten the load of the "dailies" and hopefully it brings joy to those around me because it certainly helps to bring joy to my heart.

As of late, I've been considering creative gift giving for my family. I enjoy making crafts and made these mittens recently for the table. (Notice I've yet to finish mine.)




I also made this craft for a gift and am in the process of making one for us. Since it goes on the Christmas tree, I have many months before we'll need it. I found the idea and directions here.




Other creative gifts I'm thinking of especially with Valentine's Day coming up...

• Make homemade pancakes and use cookie cutters to cut shapes. Pancake recipe at the bottom of this post.
  
• A coupon book for the kids with coupons for a free bed making, "get out of chores free" day, help mom make cookies, etc.
• Handmade Valentine cards--my own design or here for ideas
  

Be sure to tune in tomorrow to the Carnival of Beauty. This is my first submission to it, however I've read entries of past carnivals. Hopefully this link will get you there.

Enjoy and be creative today!

Basic Wholegrain Pancake Recipe

2 c. milk (any kind--I've used non-fat dry milk, rice, soy and regular)
1 egg
up to 1/4 c. honey, maple syrup, molasses or brown sugar
up to 1/4 c. oil (I use olive oil or canola)
2 c. flour--any combination of whole wheat, rye, soy, oat, millet or buckwheat; rolled oates, bran, wheat germ or cornmeal
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt

1. In a large bowl, place milk, eggs, honey and oil. Mix well.
2. Add flour and/or grains, baking powder and salt. Beat only until large lumps disappear.
3. Cook on lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
4. The extras can be cooled on wire rack, then frozen. To reheat, pop in the toaster.
5. Makes about 16 4" pancakes.