Valentines kisses.....

Hershey Kisses

Inexpensive

Valentines Wishes!

Kisses are central to a romantic relationship and chocolate is a tried and true favorite. A bag of Hershey's Kisses playfully puts the two together and, combined with some planning and creativity, can help you show your loved one you care in a genuine and simple way.
Need some inexpensive suggestions for Hershey Kisses for Valentine's Day on a budget?

Strategically Placed Kisses: Leave a single Hershey's Kiss in several clever locations around the house. Attach a short note to each chocolate such as "I love you" or "I'm thinking of kissing you."If you are away from your loved one, leave a note in their bag, "These kisses are to make up for lost kisses while you're away."

Kisses for a Lifetime: Count out a Hershey's Kiss for every day, month or year you've been together with your loved one. Replace the paper strips in several of the Hershey's Kisses with your own paper strips on which you have written something you love about her. Place the chocolates on a large sheet of aluminum foil and wrap and cinch them up, making the foil look like a large Hershey's Kiss. Create a larger paper strip to come out of the top of the foil and write, "[number of chocolates] kisses inside . . . one for every day [or month or year] you've made my life complete.

Trail of Kisses: Heighten your romance with a little intrigue by welcoming your loved one home with a mysterious trail of Hershey's Kisses. Create a little note that says "I've kissed the ground you walk on" ( Me doing this, uh hum...not sure! But I would love to share this!)
Arrange Hershey's Kisses on a pillow in the shape of a heart or spell out "LOVE" or "XOXO."

Kiss Coupons: I personally love kisses. create redeemable kiss coupons. Pull out the paper strips of at least 100 Hershey's Kisses and place the paper strips in a gift box. Wrap the box with gift wrap and attach a card or note explaining that inside they will find coupons redeemable for one kiss each.

Smooches!

Preparing for Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary

As I prepare for Mom and Dad's 50th. I think to myself, "MAN, 50 YEARS IS A LONG TIME TO BE WITH SOMEONE!" Us kids laugh and ask them "how did you sleep in the same bed with someone for 50 years!!!" Their comments will not be recorded on this blog!

When I look at Mom and Dad, I realize true love does exist. Even after the bickering, disagreements, (we never saw as kids-thank you mom and dad) my parents have weathered every storm possible. They have won and lost many battles, raised 5 incredibly awesome children who sometime in their own lives had their own battles. They gave us a home full of love. My parents taught me that love does exist and to never settle. Last year, I remember Emilee sitting by my mom as my mom was discussing something with Dad and Dad kissing her goodbye". Emilee looks at her and says "Nana, you are married to Papa?" Mom laughs...she says "Yes, silly, what do you think?" Emilee says "You were kissing!!! ah!" I will remember that day forever as it was a moment that we all laughed about as so many kids don't have any idea about marriage.

I have learned so much from mom and dad. With all this in my mind, wow, I have never settled, nor will I. I believe someday I will live happily ever after. I may not have 50 years, and that is okay. I have learned that I am the only one who can create my own happiness and dreams, but I sure do know that having someone else in my world who is seeking the same would be a wonderful feeling. Treat me right....Everyone deserves someone who will treat them with respect, unconditional love and honesty. I don't need a big house or materialistic "things" - that means squat to me. I do need a love that is kind, honest, true...a love that will get through anything no matter how many times it may feel like it is failing.

Many years ago, Mom gave me this poem framed and I hold it close to me as I can relate in so many ways:

I Have Learned.....

I've learned -
that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is
be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.

I've learned -
that no matter how much I care,
some people just don't care back.

I've learned -
that it takes years to build up trust,
and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned -
that it's not what you have in your life

I've learned -
that you can get by on charm
for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned -
that you shouldn't compare
yourself to the best others can do
but to the best you can do.

I've learned -
that it's not what happens to people
that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned -
that no matter how thin you slice it,
there are always two sides.

I've learned -
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be

I've learned -
that it's a lot easier
to react than it is to think.

I've learned -
that you should always leave
loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned -
that you can keep going
long after you think you can't.

I've learned -
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I've learned -
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I've learned -
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I've learned -
that learning to forgive takes practice.

I've learned -
that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned -
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned -
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned -
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned -
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I've learned -
that just because someone doesn't love you
the way you want them to doesn't mean
they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned -
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned -
that you should never tell a child
their dreams are unlikely or outlandish.
Few things are more humiliating, and
what a tragedy it would be
if they believed it.

I've learned -
that your family won't always
be there for you. It may seem funny,
but people you aren't related to
can take care of you and love you
and teach you to trust people again.
Families aren't biological.

I've learned -
that no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you
every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned -
that it isn't always enough
to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn
to forgive yourself.

I've learned -
that no matter how bad
your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned -
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned -
that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned -
that sometimes you have to put
the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned -
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I've learned -
that two people can look
at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.

I've learned -
that there are many ways of falling
and staying in love.

I've learned -
that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves
get farther in life.

I've learned -
that your life can be changed
in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.

I've learned -
that even when you think
you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I've learned -
that writing, as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains.

I've learned -
that the paradigm we live in
is not all that is offered to us.

I've learned -
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned -
that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.

I've learned -
that although the word "love"
can have many different meanings,
it loses value when overly used.

I've learned -
that it's hard to determine
where to draw the line
between being nice and
not hurting people's feelings
and standing up for what you believe.

So as this marks the beginning of preparing for their 50th Wedding Anniversary shabang' on April 29th, I am reminded how lucky I am to have my parents, and my family. I have been blessed with the opportunity to watch their marriage grow, watch them disagree, laugh and call each other names, for better or worse, they may not have it together, but together they have it all.



Now that I am old enough to understand and appreciate and understand relationships, I joke with my mom and dad about how long they have been married (sometimes the jokes are not very funny) and question HOW they ever made it this long! You hear dad crack jokes about mom's strengths and her imperfections. Vice versa. When I call dad out, he says "why aren't you married yet!!!" And I always say because I haven't found Mr. Right and no one meets my check list of the ideal mate....wow! really!

I have watched their marriage through the years. Blessed is all I can say. Maybe this is why every summer growing up they went to the fair to see Kenny Rogers and danced to "Through The Years"....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQuRtbx1qOQ

Here's to you ma and pa....and here is my ideal mate checklist! (wait for it) and NOTE: These are NOT in ANY order......

• Loves/Wants Kids
  
• Can have fun and laugh
• Flexible
• Honest
• Loves his job
• Can handle any of life’s challenges
• Includes me in his decisions
• Can pick me up when I am down
• Clean/Organized
• Loves his mom and sister(s)
• Drugfree
• Romantic
• Like my Dad (similar)
• Not afraid to cry
• Can hold the fort when I am not around
• Somewhat handy!
• Can cook, clean and do laundry
• Appreciates the simple things in life
• Can stay at home or do nothing or get me fancy and take me on the town
• Appreciates family and friendships
• Loves me unconditionally. Loves Em like his own.
• Supports my dreams
• Tells me I am “out of my mind” when I am not thinking straight
• Can bring the best out in me
• Can say “I love you” and mean it

I am forgetting something, I am sure..... I am sure Mom can clarify. I will keep you posted...

PINKALICIOUS!!!

Oh such a GREAT blog topic...Who is PINKALICIOUS? ME??? You betcha! Really, Pinkalicious is the cutest book of a make believe girl that can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents.


Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament.

So how does this make me PINKALICIOUS?

To name a few reasons I am Pinkalicious or PKL; I love PINK, I love to make PINK cupcakes, I like wearing MY PINK DRESSES, I adore Goldalicious, I always liked to go against my parents wishes I love and nurture unconditionally.

Bet you didn't know the color pink also represents compassion, nurturing and love. It relates to unconditional love and understanding, and the giving and receiving of nurturing. ME.....

Being Pinkalicious is pinkatastic, especially when I accompanied by MY pet unicorn, Goldilicious. HA! Goldie is a roller-skating, kite-flying, high-jumping unicorn who protects Pinkalicious from the evil wizardry of her little brother, Peter. Together, Pinkalicious and Goldilicious can conquer anything!


So for all of you who continually ask me why I am called PINKALICIOUS, now you know why.

Feeling like you want to be PINKALICIOUS? Here are some FUN ways to humor yourself!

1. Write PINK acrostic poems

Acrostics are poems in which the first letters of all the lines combine to make a word. For example:

P - Pinkalicious loves cupcakes!

I - I love cupcakes!

N - Not everyone loves cupcakes,

K - Koalas hate cupcakes!

2. Grow fragrant pink hyacinth plants indoors
Use a glass or plastic container with a narrow opening at the top. Sit the hyacinth bulb on the top of the opening. Pour water into the container until it's 1/4 th of an inch below the bulb.

Children get to observe roots sprout and developing plant. Enjoy stunning fragrant pink flowers in your classroom.

3. Make pink tissue paper flowers

Materials: Scissors, sticks, rubber bands, pink tissue paper

Fold about 8 sheets of pink tissue paper like an accordion, about every 2 inches.

Put the stick in the center and use a rubber band to attach stick to paper.

Trim paper edges with scissors for flower appearance.

Separate out layers of tissue paper beginning with the top layer that will be the middle of the flower. Spray with perfume.

THROW A PINKALICIOUS PARTY!!!

Invitations

• Cut white paper into cupcake shapes and write details with a pink marker

Check out Birthday Express for some great party favors!
http://www.birthdayexpress.com/Pinkalicious-Party-Favor-Box/72931/PartyKitDetail.aspx?REF=SCE-CEfroogle

Beverage Ideas

• Pink lemonade
• Pink punch: cranberry juice and ginger ale
• Pink ice cubes: freeze cranberry juice in ice cube tray, serve in glass of water…as the ice cubes melt, the drink will turn pink.

Food Ideas

• Bagels with pink strawberry cream cheese
• Strawberry yogurt
• Jelly sandwiches cut into fun shapes like stars or cupcakes
• Salmon appetizer on crackers
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Raspberries
• Watermelon
• Pink grapefruit
• Hardboiled Easter eggs dyed pink
• Pink Jell-O
• Make pink Popsicles with lemonade or cranberry juice

Dessert

*THIS IS MY FAVORITE!!!


Pink cupcakes with pink frosting (decorate with pink sprinkles and pink candy.

Decorations

• Hang pink banners and pink balloons.
• Tie pink ribbons to chairs.
• Place pink tulle over white tablecloth or sprinkle pink glitter on white table cloth.
• Set the table with pink plates with white doilies on top.

Party Games

• Pin the Pinktail on Pinkalicious
• Eating contest: How many pink grapefruit slices can you eat in 30 seconds?
• Guessing game: Guess how many pink jellybeans are in the jar.
• Musical thrones: Read Pinkalicious out loud and whenever you hear the words
  pink or cupcakes, grab a seat!

Pink Party Game Awards

• Pinkalicious book
• A pink beaded necklace
• A pink plant like a hyacinth

Pinkalicious Party Activities

• Decorate pink cupcakes
• Make pink beaded bracelets
• Decorate photo frames in pink
• Decorate barrettes in pink
• Decorate crowns with pink feathers, sequins, glitter glue, pompoms, etc…
• "I spy…something pink!"
• Pink flamingo piñata

Party Favors

• Pink play dough
• Pink candy like bubble gum, cotton candy, pink Jordan almonds, red hots, Good and Plenty, pink Necco wafers, pink M&Ms, etc..

What to Wear

• Pink! From pink tutus to pink wands.

Make it a PINKALICIOUS day! Check out the books by Victoria Kann, you will LOVE them?
http://www.harpercollins.com.au/authors/28963/Victoria_Kann/index.aspx

Starting a tradition...

How often do you tell your children how you really feel about them? Even if the answer is "all the time!" it's fun to write a letter to your child at least once a year to express your love and pride, as well as the ongoing hopes and dreams you have for their future.

I have been talking with others on starting a FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL tradition for my daughter...AH HA MOMENT AGAIN! (Yes, I have lots of thoe moments) I decided that I am going to start writing a letter to Emilee EVERY FIRST DAY of school, and possibly the last day of school. Placing the letter in a journal, and when she graduates from high school, walah! what a beautiful framed piece of memories. Well, what I would hear from many is, I DONT HAVE TIME...yes, YOU DO...all it takes is a few minutes here at the computer or handwritten (which I prefer as it is more personal).

Not sure how to get stated? Here are seven specific words you'll want to include:

1. "Love" Of course you want to tell your child how you feel! Even if "I love you" is something you say every day, the message is conveyed differently when the words are shared in writing. For example, you might say:
It's hard for me to describe much I love you!
Being your parent has been one of the greatest gifts in my life.
There's nothing that could ever change how I feel about you.

2. "Notice" Share what you've noticed recently about your child. How has she grown? What positive characteristics do you see emerging? For example:
The generosity your son has for his siblings
The kindness your daughter shows her friends
The maturity you've witnessed in how your child handles conflicts

3. "Enjoy" Describe what you enjoy doing together. This will mean a lot to your child, and it will help put the letter into context when he or she reads it again in the years to come. For example:
Playing games
Cooking together
Reading together

4. "Proud" Be specific when you describe what makes you proud. This is something we all long to hear, and the words will be like nourishment to your child when he or she re-reads the letter years from now. For example, you might express pride in your child's:
Interpersonal relationships
Academic progress and/or work ethic
Athletic abilities and/or various talents

5. "Cherish" In your letter, share a few memories that mean a lot to you personally. Your stories will communicate truth in a way that's more memorable to your child than any singular compliment. For example, you might include:
Memories of a shared vacation
An observation you'll never forget
The memory of a time when you realized your child had grown in some way

6. "Hope" In addition, take the time to share your highest hopes in your letter. For example, you might include:
Your hopes for your child's friendships
Your hopes for your child's own observations of his or her talents
Your hopes regarding his or her own dreams

7. "Believe"This is an opportunity to share your confidence in your child, as well as the beliefs that continue to motivate you personally. For example, you might include:
Your own convictions about his or her future.
A Bible verse that speaks to this time in his or her life.
A quotation that has touched you personally.

Just do it! This could be the best gift you ever give your child, or anyone for that matter!

Are Dads Really Important to Their Daughters?

I often question why I have to ask myself if it is important to have your child's father involved in their life? Things go sour, you are now left single with a child to raise. The father may not always be pleasant, but you know that your daughter needs him. I know times can be tough with the ex and things don't always turn out like you expect them to. However, putting all the "drama" he may create aside, I find myself always looking for ways to learn how I can be better at being a Mom and dealing with him when he is not always the nicest.

Dr. Robyn Silverman, an excellent resource and writes: I’ve been receiving several questions about Dads lately—especially in the context of divorce, and how important it is for mothers to encourage their girls to retain a relationship with their Dads. Even when there is animosity and frustration between parents, a strong relationship between Dads and Daughters is vital. Here I talk about why it’s so important that fathers remain a prominent part of their daughters’ lives: http://www.drrobynsilverman.com/body-image/dear-dr-robyn-are-dads-really-important-to-their-daughters/

Loss of a relationship with fathers can lead to many problems including an increase in risky behaviors, eating disorders, and other negative outcomes. Given that the Powerful Word of the Month is Dependability, it’s time for both mothers and fathers to step up during divorce, and give their daughters the best possible opportunity to bond with both parent.

Dads, Daughters and Body Image http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2009/07/01/dads-daughters-and-body-image/

A great tool for any parent on Dad's and Daughters-visit http://www.thedadman.com/

A father's love is important!

Thankful for...

Today is the day we all sit down and say what we are thankful for. Some prayers at the Perone family dinner table include tears, and yes some, jokes and laughter. These tears are tears of love and gratitude, thankfulness and blessings. I love these dinners.

I am grateful and THANKFUL for the wonderful family and friends I have. I have been blessed to have an amazing family who has been there through thick and thin. My family is my rock, my laughter, my faith, my heros, the few that get my jokes. Yet, most of all, the one's I can count on anytime. A family does not need money to have happiness. A family doesnt need materialistic items to declare their family or values. Many forget that money doesn't buy love and those materialistic items you are looking at right now, MEAN NOTHING. My friends are my laughter, love and sunshine in my world. They keep me going when all else fails and inspire me to be the best. Thank you. I am thankful for my beautiful girl who is the one who keeps me on my toes, teaches me patience, true love, and most of all, the reason why I wake up everyday.

This song says it all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AS0G5QevSk

So on this day, I count my blessings, and I hope you will count your blessings too. Never take one day for granted.

Kiss and hold the one's you love. Open the door for someone you don't know. Believe that those things that may have once hurt us or harmed us in the past are a learning adventure and experience that made us a better person and a stronger person. Lastly, remember, God never gives us more then we can handle.

Enjoy your family and friends this Thanksgiving day, and EVERYDAY, and when someone asks you "what are you thankful for", remember to be thankful for the wonderful person each of you are.

Gobble, Gobble.....

121 Fun Sayings For Simple Gifts!

Many of these treats you may even have in your home! Here are more SWEET gift ideas for the holidays!

You can use any of these and change them around to fit your needs. Many more can be found online. Remember, your TAG or LABEL makes the gift more personalized. Think OUTSIDE THE BOX!

Happy Holidays!


Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"

A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your "crummy" neighbors.

Barq's Root Beer: "Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you're "Barqing" up the right tree!"

Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

Loaf of bread: "For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping others "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job loving others."

Bananas: "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better "bunch" than you!"

Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary" Merry Christmas".

Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!"

Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear, wishing you a cup of cheer."

Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"

Ice Cream: "Have a cool yule!"

Hershey's Kisses in a Wire Wisk: "We "whisk" you a merry "kiss" mas.

Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles, "absorb" the Christmas spirit!"

Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"

Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!"

Matches: "To our matchless friends"

Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "bubble" over with fun!"

7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7 uplifting thoughts/ideas)

Sprite: "May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!"

Rootbeer: "We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season!"

Any Pop: "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as our friends!"

Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"

Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry" Christmas"

Mints: "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"

Snickers Candy Bar: "Don't "snicker" - just be glad you got something!"

Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"

Jar of Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"

Veggies & Dip: "Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!"

Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"

Muffins or Muffin Mix: "You're gettin' "muffin" for Christmas!"

Grater & Cheese: "To a "grate" neighbor"

Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with love - Happy Holidays!"

Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season full of sweetness!"

Whisk Broom: "Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your Cares Away!"

Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace"

Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: "Have a honey of a Christmas"

Hershey's Kisses: "Merry "Kiss"mas"

Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!"

Soup mix: You're "souper" - Merry Christmas"

Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: "Not a creature was "stirring"..."

Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: "We have to ad-"mitt" you're a great neighbor!"

Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: "Bake up some Christmas cheer!"

Apple Cider w/wassail mix: "Spice Up Your Christmas!"

Bag/Box of Whoppers: "Hope you have a "whopper" of a Christmas"

M&M's: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!"

Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful holiday season "topped" with Christmas cheer!"

Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone...she needs hugs too!"

Popcorn Balls: "Hoping you have a "ball" this Christmas season"

Jolly Ranchers: "Have a holly "jolly" Christmas"

Chex Party Mix: "Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!!!

Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's:" Hope a merry "Ho-Ho-Ho" fills your heart the whole year through!"

Jar of Jelly: "Jelly is like love -- you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself!"

Christmas Tray: "We "tray"sure your friendship!"

Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!"

Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning"

Potpourri: "May this weet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmasses long ago!"

Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!"

Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"

Lifesavers: "You've been a life saver!"

Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays"

Broom or Feather Duster: "You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know!"

Measuring Cup or Spoons: "Wishing you a joy beyond "measure"!"

Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!"

Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse to our "deer" friends!"

Wooden Spoon: "Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You'll find this sppon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"

Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!"

Heart Ornament: "May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas Day"

Cinnamon Sugar for toast: "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!"

Christmas music: "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!"

Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"

Salsa: "Add a little spice to your holidays"

Stocking or Filled Jar: "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"

Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!!"

Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"

Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!"

Cherry 7-Up: "Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!"

Sparkling Cider: "Wising you a sparkling hoilday season!"

Warm casserole or bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes"

Eggbeater: "Have an "eggstra" special holiday!"

Pie: "Wishing you a scrupmtuous Christmas"

Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!

Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!

Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: "Here's some packaged"snowball" treats - Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"

Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"

Anything Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"

Anything Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"

Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!" Merry Christmas!!

Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!"

Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"

Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"

Christmas Shaped pasta: "Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"

Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!!"

Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"

Brownie Mix (or other mix): "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Attatch the recipe!)

Homemade carmels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"

Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"

Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"

Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops!"

Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"

Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"

Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"

Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"

Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"

Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"

Homemade Chocolates: "You're so sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"

Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"

Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!"

Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" alot about you!! Merry Christmas"

Spiced Drink Mixes: "Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"

Recipe: "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"

Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"

Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!

Plant: "The kindness you showmakes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!"

Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!"

Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas tree: "Hope your Christmas is "tree-mendous"!"

Payday candy bar: "It's the "nutty" time of the year again, so please don't lose your cool! Relax, and much this little treat and have a happy yule!"

Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey's Kiss: "Here's a "squeeze and a "kiss", to remind you you're loved all through the year!"

Salsa & Tortilla Chips: "Have a hot and spicy Christmas!"

Scouring pad/sponge: "I scoured the earth for a friend like you!"