Dyed Rice – Instead Of Glitter

Dyed Rice – Instead Of Glitter

If you read this blog on a regular basis you have probably seen several posts that mention a craft box. A well-stocked craft box can help keep your kids busy – even when they’ve been snowed in for days! The best part is, you can stock your craft box with things you already have. For instance, dyed rice is a perfect alternative to glitter.

Uncooked rice can be colored with food coloring and used to create and decorate various types of craft projects. For instance, a simple picture can be outlined on poster board and filled in with the colored rice. This can be much more fun than using crayons or markers!

You can also use the dyed rice to create seasonal decorations. For example, a heart shape cut out of poster board can be generously covered with colored rice to create a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s decoration.

Here’s how to dye uncooked rice:

What You Need

• ¼ cup Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar
• 2/3 cup Uncooked Rice
• Gallon Size Zip-Lock Bag or Large Jar
• Food Coloring
• Wax Paper or Folded Newspaper

How To Dye Rice

• Add the rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to your bag or jar. Add 3 or 4 drops of the food coloring and mix.
• Pour in the rice.
• Seal the bag or jar and shake until rice is evenly covered.
• Allow the content to sit for 5 – 10 minutes.
• Spread the rice out on the wax paper or newspaper and wait until it is dry before using. This should take about 30 – 60 minutes, but if the rice is soaked it can take up to 24 hours.

When ready the dyed rice can easily be added to craft projects. Just cover the item in glue and apply the rice just as you would glitter.

This blog offers information about everything from real letters from Santa to craft ideas, recipes, and much more. 

In Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Package From Santa pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. today. The wise civil rights leader left us too soon. His life made the world a better place; fortunately, we can still learn from his actions and from his many inspirational messages. We hope you will enjoy reading the Martin Luther King Jr. quotes shared below…

Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

 “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

“I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”

“Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”

 “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”

 “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”

“Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal.”

“We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

“Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.”

“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”

“Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.” 

Facts About DHA

Basic Facts About DHA

DHA - good for your baby and good for you!

You may have noticed advertisements for baby foods and other items that include the mention of DHA. Even though the ads make you aware that DHA is a good thing, they do little to explain what it is or how it can help your baby. This post will provide some basic facts about DHA.

DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, which is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is found in all areas of the body but it is especially known for the benefits it provides to heart, brain and eye health. Studies indicate that DHA is important for all ages.

In fact, DHA plays an important role in the process of eye and brain development for infants and ongoing support and development of the eyes and brains for children. Adults too benefit from DHA.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Even if you are trying to lose weight – you still need to have ‘good’ fats in your diet. These are foods high in polyunsaturated fats. Sources for this include various types of vegetable oils. DHA can also be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. Seaweed is another good source and DHA is also found in fish oil supplements.

There are 3 major omega-3 acids. The first, as described, is DHA, which  is found in the brain, heart, and eyes. The second omega-3 acid is EPA. Although EPA supports good health, it is not an essential structure component of the heart, brains and eyes. The third omega-3 acid is ALA, which is needed for the health of skin and it serves as a source of energy also helps support the status of DHA and EPA in the body.

Babies and DHA

DHA supports a healthy pregnancy and is found in breast milk. Many infant formulas include DHA.

Babies – especially from birth to 6 months – need DHA to ensure that development of the eyes, brains and nervous system can progress in a healthy manner.

The Rest of Us

Unfortunately, most people don’t consume enough of the right foods to get all the omega-3 fatty acids needed. Although the human body makes DHA, it only makes small amounts. With that in mind, it is important to eat the right foods or to use supplements.

So there you have the basic facts about DHA!

This Package From Santa blog is designed to provide helpful information and ideas that can make your life better.

How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Real Hot Cocoa

How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Real Hot Cocoa

Warm them up from the inside out!

In many places January is a month recognized for cold temperatures and snow – and nothing can warm you up better on a cold winter’s day than a great cup of hot cocoa. After your kids have spent time outdoors you can serve them up the special treat of hot chocolate. That will warm them up from the inside out and put a smile on their faces.

It’s true that you can make hot chocolate with the instant mixes, and if you add a few ‘extras’ you can dress that drink up. But even a 'well dressed' mix won’t mimic the rich flavor of real hot cocoa. Today we’re sharing with you what we think is one of the best recipes for a perfect cup of real hot cocoa.

The Ingredients For Real Hot Cocoa

 To make the perfect cup of hot cocoa you should accept the fact that the drink will be rich and of course, it will be a high calorie drink. But this isn’t something you will drink a lot of – so don’t stress about that – instead, relax and savor the taste – enjoy your hot chocolate!

Obviously, it is wise to use the very best ingredients possible. Which in this case means you should use whole milk and a good quality unsweetened cocoa. Here’s the list of ingredients you will need:

• Milk: 3 cups
• Half-and-Half: 1 cup
• Cocoa Powder: ¼ cup
• Sugar: ½ cup
• Vanilla Extract: ¼ teaspoon
• Cinnamon: 1/8 teaspoon

Preparation 

• Mix together the dry ingredients.
• Combine the milk and half-and-half in a medium sauce pan and bring to a simmer using medium heat.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of the hot milk to the dry ingredients. Stir to form a paste – then add paste to hot milk. Allow mix to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Stir in vanilla extract and serve right away.

To make the occasion even more special you can serve the hot cocoa in special cups or mugs that are reserved for this special drink. Marshmallows add to the flavor and fun. Other options include adding a bit of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles or a cinnamon stick.

When you have the perfect cup of hot cocoa all seems right – even if the weather outside is cold and snowy you and yours can be cozy and relaxed with a special treat!

The Package From Santa blog is designed to provide various types of information you can use. You will find everything from recipes to DIY projects, ways to save money and more. 

The Right Lighting Makes A Difference

The Right Lighting Makes A Difference

Let’s face it; most people feel that their homes are their sanctuaries. It’s the place we retrieve to at the end of the day; it’s where we feel most comfortable and safe. With that in mind, there are certain things you can do to make your home feel even more relaxing and comfortable. Lighting falls into that category. When you use the right lighting you can create ambiance, make a space feel more tranquil, or brighten things up.

Options, Options

The new options in light bulbs can make this easy – but more than that, you may want to give some consideration to the types of lighting fixtures you are using. For example, some overhead lights can be hard on your eyes, but ceiling lights do offer advantages. Track lighting for instance can make ideal lighting for a work space.

From Table Lamps to Floor Lamps

Table lamps come in all shapes and sizes. The trick is getting the right lamp in the right place. Floor lamps are another great option for lighting up a space, without overdoing it.

The Right Light in the Right Place

You might be like lots of others – maybe you bought a certain lamp because you liked its design, but you gave little thought to the kind of lighting it would provide.

These kinds of purchases happen all the time. You get the lamp home only to find that it is too much light for a small space or not enough for a larger one. Not to worry, you can always move the lamp to another room. A lamp that is overpowering in the bedroom may give the perfect glow in your living room. Play around with rearranging the lamps in your home.

Take a look around your home and see if the lighting you have suits your needs. Keep in mind that besides adding light for a visual aid your light sources should also add to the inviting and comforting atmosphere of your home.

Share with us – do you use lighting to set the right mood? Tell us about it!

The Package From Santa blog is here to provide tips and suggestions that can help you make your life what you want it to be.

Breakfast Pizza – Try It!

Breakfast Pizza – Try It!

Do you love breakfast meals but feel like you always serve the same thing? Why not try something new – like a breakfast pizza? This pizza is a delicious twist on the traditional pizza. And this is a food item that can be served at any meal or snack time. It’s quick and easy to make – in fact, total time required is about 30 minutes. This recipe makes a 12-inch pizza.

As you will see below, there are lots of options in what to top your pizza with. For instance, you can choose between adding sausage or bacon or even create the pizza without any meat at all. You can also add breakfast gravy, cream cheese or salsa or other toppings.

Breakfast Pizza Ingredients

• 1 Can store-bought refrigerated pizza crust 
• 8 Eggs – scrambled
• Cooked hash brown potatoes
• 1 pound of cooked sausage or 8 Slices of cooked bacon
• Cream cheese, breakfast gravy or salsa (optional)
• Green onions, peppers, etc. (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)

 Breakfast Pizza Instructions

• Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
• Prepare 12-inch pizza pan – spray with cooking spray
• Place dough in center of pan and press it out evenly toward the edges.
• Spoon scrambled eggs over dough.
• Top with hash brown potatoes.
• Add cream cheese, gravy or salsa.
• Add meat toppings - other toppings, such as green onions can also be added - finish with shredded cheese (optional).

You are now ready to bake the pizza until the crust is done – in most ovens this will be about 12 – 15 minutes.

This delicious pizza can be eaten as is or served with a breakfast gravy or salsa. Either way you slice it – this pizza is sure to become a family favorite!

Debbie Allen shares tips and ideas about everything from the best Santa Evidence Kit™ to home décor, ways to save money, and delicious recipes.

Clear Out The Clutter!

Clear Out The Clutter!

A clutter-free space creates feelings of peacefulness and relaxation - great feelings to have in your own home!

Now that the holiday season is over you are probably looking forward to a new year with a fresh start on things. And ideally, at least for most people, that includes having a goal of being organized and having some control over your time. One way to ensure that will happen is to clear out the clutter.

When you get clutter under control you have an easier time when it comes to being organized and keeping things tidy. Ultimately this will have a positive impact on your time management. For example, you won’t waste time ‘looking’ for the things you need or want – instead, you will know exactly where to find them. In addition, because there is less clutter, your home will feel cleaner and more spacious – and it will be easier to keep it neat and tidy. In the end this will also help you feel more relaxed, comfortable and less stressed.

The Basics

Clearing out clutter sounds simple (and it can be), but there are underlying issues that must be dealt with. First of all, you probably have some emotional attachments to some of the things that are ‘cluttering’ your space. If that is the case careful consideration will be required during the de-cluttering process.

You may want to create bins for things you want to keep, things you are ready to part with, and things you are not sure about. Obviously, you may be able to throw away some things, and sell or give away others.  

How to Start

De-cluttering is a top priority but you should also take a look at the furnishings in your home. Convenient and attractive storage solutions are essential. Now days you can find everything from coat racks and shelving units to storage bins and benches with built-in storage at your local department store. Take advantage of these easy solutions!

Having a place to store items but keeps them out of the way while also keeping them within easy access is essential. Everyone has treasured items they love. And in some cases it is these very things that cause or add to a cluttered look. Even so, that does not mean you want to get rid of those items. The solution is to find a way to store or display them that suits you.

Kid Stuff

Whether it’s toys, books or model airplanes, kids have lots of stuff. Find attractive ways to store or display these items. Simple solutions are available. For instance, a sturdy shoe box can be covered with fabric or decorative paper to create nice-looking storage for small toys and other items.

Label It

Get in the habit of being organized in whatever you do. One way to do this is to label things. This can be especially important when you are storing items. If you are not sure if something is worth keeping but you are not quite ready to part with it – create an intermediate storage solution – label the container or item, and then check back in 6 months or up to 12 months. At that time it should be easier to make a decision about whether the item should stay or go. If you decide to keep it you should look for a long-term storage or display solution.

After you have de-cluttered your home it will be a more vibrant space. This fresh new organized space just might inspire you to make other improvements!

Debbie Allen writes about holiday traditions, including things like personalized letters from Santa and decorating a Christmas tree, but she also shares tips about things related to home life. Keep visiting this blog to keep up with helpful tips and ideas!