It’s hard to believe that Labor Day here in the USA is just around the corner!

The holiday season will be fast approaching, and the mad rush to plan all your social engagements will be in high gear.

Technology has made it ‘easy’ to print your own birthday cards, party invitations and announcements ~ if you’re not computer-challenged.

I’d like to share with you a terrific source for Holiday Cards and Party Invitations that I recently had the opportunity to review.

I recently became a Grandmother for the second time and will be helping my daughter plan my new grandson’s Baptism. A religious baptism or christening is often the first special occasion in honor of your newborn baby.  Tiny Prints offers a wide selection of unique, custom christening and baby baptism invitations and announcements that can be personalized with all the appropriate details of the special event. Their baby christening and baby baptism invitations range from classic and to more contemporary, and are printed on quality stock paper.

As a Work-at-Home Mom and online Boutique store owner, I realize the importance of branding and staying in contact with my business partners. Exchanging holiday cards has become a long-standing tradition among business associates. Strengthen your corporate relationships with personalized, photo Christmas, Hanukkah or Happy New Year greetings. Tiny Print in-house experts will enhance your photo with complimentary touch-ups or upload your corporate logo.

Let Tiny Prints become your one-stop source for all personal and business needs.

Tiny Prints is offering readers of Moomettesgram’s Musings a Special Discount.

Use Tiny Prints coupon code TPBR136508 to receive 10% off your next order of stationery, invitations and photo cards. Expires 12/31/2008.

Visit Tiny Prints for more information.

Wow~It’s December already! That means all the Holiday Party Invitations and Save the Dates should either be in the mail by now, or at least be written!

For me, one of the best ways to savor the Holidays and create Traditions is through taste and smell. At this time of year I love to keep a few things ahead in the freezer to bring when we visit! It’s great to have a ‘little something good to eat’ ready for visits to friends, elderly or shut-ins. Also - last minute party invites!

Some of my favorite recipes were culled over the years from my co-workers at the various offices I worked in. Although I may have changed jobs, or my friends have retired, when I recreate the recipes they’ve shared, it enables me to remember them fondly! This recipe is from Teddi, who I enjoyed working with for over 15 years!

I’d like to share this easy treat that’s created with ~~ A Quick Bread Mix! This is also an easy recipe to have the kids help get involved with. Not quite a bread, not really a fruitcake, it’s really more of a dessert cake when finished - and is so simple to put together your friends & relatives will think you’re a genius! Add some festive decorations; use your own favorite Frosting or Ganache recipe; serve with your favorite Hot Toddy or Party Beverage & you’re good to go!

CHOCOLATE CHERRY NUT CAKE

1 pkg. Pillsbury Nut or Date Quick Bread Mix
1 c. coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained, cut in
half
3/4 c. Miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. kirsch (cherry flavored) or 2 tsp almond
extract plus 1/4
c. water
1 tbl oil
1 egg
Glaze
1/4 c. Miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp oil

Heat oven to 350. Grease and flour bottom of 8×4 or 9×5 loaf pan. In large bowl, combine all fruitcake ingredients. Stir by hand until mixture is moist. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 for 65 to 80 min. for 8×4 pan, 60 to 70 min. for 9×5 pan or until toothpick is clean. Cool 15 min. Remove from pan. Cool completely. In small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips and oil, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over fruitcake. Allow glaze to set in refrigerator. Wrap well in plastic wrap or foil and store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months. For optimum flavor refrigerate at least 24 hrs before serving.

Another great way at this time of year to pass on traditions to your children or grandchildren is to bake or cook a favorite dish that a family member used to prepare. Food is a wonderful way to recall happy times and gatherings. In my next post, I’ll be sharing some great recipes from family members who are no longer with us physically, but always in our hearts. Enjoy the Season!