Sending My Love

22 Jan

Valentine’s Day will be here in a few weeks.  That special day to let loved ones know how much you care about them.  While I don’t get too crazy about it, I do love sending my godchildren Valentine’s Day packages with all kinds of goodies.  I love knowing they will get a special package just for them (keep in mind these are little kids!).  I have been told I am the “best” godmother … mainly because I don’t miss a holiday as an opportunity to spoil my godchildren.

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So I thought I would pass along some cute ideas to send to your godchildren no matter what their age!  I love to send a little of everything to keep it interesting.  Here are a few of my favorite package ideas:

  • A mix of candy.  I throw in a few suckers, a pez dispenser and ring pops.  I think all kids love ring pops!
  • A small stuffed animal.  Even big kids love them.
  • Lip balm or gloss.  You can always use a fresh new one (especially in winter).
  • A cute notepad and pen.  They can doodle or write notes to their friends.
  • A cute holiday themed item from the dollar section at Target (or your local dollar store).

Of course, you can always add some homemade cookies, brownies or whatever homemade baked good you’re known for.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to send some love!  Just be creative and make the package pretty and exciting.  I have my daughters decorate the package, but you can always add some cute stickers or stampers.  Be creative or look on Pinterest for some good ideas.

Do you have some great ideas of items to send your godchildren?  Share them here in our comments!  I love to share great ideas.

xoxo,

Jennifer

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Big plans in 2015? Win $250 to get the party started!

14 Jan

2015 is here!  And with the new year often comes big plans.  Not always for yourself, but someone you know.  Engagements, graduations, moving, new jobs, big birthdays … you get the idea.  With big plans usually come celebrations!  The Stationery Studio is the perfect place to announce your big plans from invitations to personalized party supplies to personalized gifts.  We have you covered!

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So why not enter our “Big Plans” Pinterest contest for a chance to win $250 to The Stationery Studio?  It’s the perfect way to start your planning!  Click here for all the details.

Have fun pinning and best of luck!

xoxo,

Jennifer

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Sweet Valentine’s Surprise

13 Jan

sugar-cookies

While I can’t believe it’s already 2015, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  Valentine’s Day is a great time to let someone know how much you love them.  And that can be anyone special in your life … your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, kids, best friend … whoever means a lot to you!  I think a homemade Valentine is a great gift.  Why not make your special someone homemade Valentine cookies with messages?  We have a terrific recipe from when we were featured on WGN-TV last year.  Of course, these look amazing in our personalized treat boxes so you don’t have to limit your sweet treats to just one person!

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Sugar Cookie Recipe

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla and egg.  Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl.  Add to butter mixture and mix to combine.  Roll out dough between two sheets of parchment to ¼ inch thickness.  Chill for 1 hour to overnight.  Cut into shapes and place on parchment lined baking sheet.  Chill again for 15-20 .  Bake at 350 for 7 minutes, rotate pans, then bake for approximately 3 minutes more until cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown.  Cool on wire racks until completely cool.

Cookie Glaze

3 ¾ – 4 cups powdered sugar
6 Tablespoons whole milk
1 tsp almond flavoring
6 Tablespoons corn syrup

Combine powdered sugar, milk, and flavoring.  Mix until smooth.  Add corn syrup.  Stir until combined and smooth.  If desired, add paste food coloring.

Tips

  • Chilling sugar cookie dough for rolled and cut sugar cookies hardens the butter in the dough so that the cookie dough rolls out more easily.  After cutting the cookies, you can chill them again so that the cookies retain their shape while baking.
  • Instead of store bought frosting, take time to make a cookie glaze which makes cookies look professional, smooth and dries hard for decorating.
  • Use paste food coloring to make vibrant colors for cookies.  Liquid food coloring may change consistency of glaze or royal frosting.  Experiment by combining different colors to make unique shades.
  • For a clean edge on the cookie, outline with royal frosting, then fill in with cookie glaze.  This stops the glaze from running down the sides of the cookie.
  • Great tip for decorating:  Use a squeeze bottle to “fill” surface with glaze.  Spread glaze to corners with toothpick or small knife.  You can purchase bottle at any craft store or Wal-Mart
  • Once the glaze is dry (can take several hours) decorate cookies with a pastry bag for a professional look.  Pastry bags are available at any craft store or in a pinch use a zip-log bag.
  • Experiment with different types of sprinkles, sugars, and decorations.  For instance, make a border with pearl candies or large sprinkles and/or use sanding sugar for a sparkling effect.

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Jennifer

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