Thin Mints Puppy Chow

Everyone is getting ready for the Holidays and looking for some wonderful recipes for their party or gift giving. I think that everyone LOVES Thin Mints, and what can be better than Thin Mints Puppy Chow? How yummy!

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http://www.shugarysweets.com/2013/02/thin-mint-puppy-chow

This recipe has complete directions along with pictures. Can’t get any easier than that!

Have fun!

Nancie, Haley d’Pug & Bear

Handmade Gift Ideas for Kids

Are you looking for some great handmade gift ideas? If so, check back often as we will be adding  several ideas for you throughout December.

Everyone loves handmade gifts – below is todays link for great gifts for kids, with lots of ideas for all ages.

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http://www.marthastewart.com/274975/handmade-gifts-for-kids/@center/307035/santas-workshop

Have a great day and I hope you enjoy! I would love to see pics of the handmade gifts you make and give this year.

Nancie, Haley d’Pug & Bear

Happy Thanksgiving

What do you miss most about Thanksgivings past?

Me ~ I miss my dinner at my grandparents, with the enire family. I miss my grandmother & mother’s stuffing (dressing) ~ haven’t had any as good since I last cooked a turkey, but my stuffing wasn’t nearly as good as theirs.

I also miss Tommy and Claudia. They took us into their family every Thanksgiving and it was just awesome to be part of that.

What do you love most about Thanksgiving today?

Me ~ The quiet relaxing day with my family. We haven’t had a big dinner at home for a while. We went to friends for 15 years until they both passed. Now we just spend a quiet day at home, and last year we went to Country Buffet for dinner. It was different, but that is exactly what I needed!

This Thanksgiving ~ remember to love the ones close to you. You never know when you will loose one of them!

Happy Turkey Day~

Nancie, Haley d’Pug & Bear

Holiday Traditions

T’is the time of year that I start thinking about all of the family traditions (old and new) that happens at the Dumdi Ranch!

When I was a kid we always went to my grandparents home for Thanksgiving dinner. As I got older we continued to go to grandma’s & grandpa’s house, but I also created a Thanksgiving dinner so that we could have lots of leftovers.

I hope that you take a little of time this holiday season to remember all of the wonderful memories that we have gathered through the years. I am going to work on a list of all the wonderful past & present family traditions at the Dumdi house.

I would love for you to share some of your favorite memories with me!

Have a great day!

Nancie, Haley d’Pug & Bear

Double Chocolate Chip Caramel Apples

 

Double Chocolate Chip Caramel Apples

Ingredients:

6 Granny Smith apples

6 wooden sticks

1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels

2 tablespoons water

½  teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup milk chocolate chips

 

Start by wrapping a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil. Then, insert the wooden sticks three quarters of the way into the stem end of each apple. Place apples on the baking sheet. Meanwhile, place the chocolate chips on a plate and set aside.

Unwrap the caramels and place them, the vanilla, and the water into a saucepan over low heat, cooking until caramel melts and is smooth (avoid burning by stirring often).

Dip the apples into the caramel. Use the sides of the pan to scrape excess caramel off of the apples. Then, take the apple and gently roll it onto the plate with the chocolate chips.  Place the apple back onto the baking sheet, and when all apples are coated in the caramel and chocolate chips, place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How To Throw A Great Halloween Party

It’s October, and if you are a kid at heart, you are probably bursting at the seams in anticipation of Halloween. This year, Halloween falls on a Friday. Why not celebrate by throwing a fun party? Here’s everything you need to know to make your party an event to remember:

Theme It Up

Of course, you want your guests in a costume, but consider adding a theme to your party for an extra fun challenge. Some possibilities include dressing like people did in the 1950’s, dressing up as your favorite Saturday Night Live character, or as a popular historical figure.

Send Out The Invites

Yes, you can send email invites, but sending them out via snail mail will be extra special. You can buy them if you want, or, if you’re crafty, you can choose to make them. You can find lots of free, “spooky” fonts and clip-art online. Print out your invite information and paste it onto some black card stock. For an extra touch, tie a bow around it in black organza ribbon. You just made a beautiful invitation.

Decorate In Style

Decorating for Halloween can be fun and festive! Some easy decorating tips include hanging black and orange crepe paper in the doorways, sitting rubber rats, spiders, and bats throughout the house, and placing a few cauldrons filled with dry ice on tables.

Get Creative With Games

You can’t have a Halloween party without a “best costume” contest, but don’t forget about classic games, such as bobbing for apples. Another fun idea is to have someone do tarot card readings.

Small Details Make A Big Impression

While planning for the “big” stuff, don’t forget to include some “small” touches. For instance, buy some disposable cameras and encourage guests to use them throughout the night. Put some “spooky music” cd’s in the stereo, as well as classics like “Monster Mash, and don’t forget to set out some dishes of candy!

 

I would love to see pictures of your creative halloween parties! Please share!

Nancie, Haley d’Pug & Bear

 

Easy Halloween Party Snacks

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

 You’ll probably have a few jack-o-lanterns as decorations for your party. Make them do double duty by reserving the seeds.  They’re a great party snack!

When carving a pumpkin, separate pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin pulp and rinse under cold water. Lightly oil a baking dish and place the seeds on the dish in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes.

To avoid burning, and to get the most even baking, check the seeds every 10 minutes and give them a quick stir. When done, let the seeds cool and then transfer them to an airtight container.