Happy New Year

It's that time of year again. Where we say goodbye to one year only to welcome the next.

We wish our readers the best in 2012.

May next year be filled with love, happiness, sunny days, laughs and good memories.

Happy new year!

Love Sara and Michelle xo

Merry Christmas

Wow! Christmas came and went so fast. This year was especially special to me. It was the first time in many years I was able to go back to my home town of Iroquois Falls and celebrate with my family all under one roof. I don't remember that happening in... well... forever.

This Christmas was really amazing and I can't wait till next year. I promised myself that I will work on Christmas gifts throughout the year and I hope I stick to it. Christmas crowds are just a little too much for me.

I hope everyone had a wonderful time. Rest up because NYE is right around the corner.

My sister's dog Bella, Casey and Frank in their Christmas sweaters.

Sara xo

App Of The Day

I've had my iPhone for just about a month and I can't praise it enough. I was the generation Blackberry for many years but made the switch and I am really happy I did.

One of my favourite apps on the phone is Instagram.

It's a great way to take photos and share them with other Instagram, Facebook and Twitter folks. There are many filters to make that regular photo look like it was produced by the old and yet still amazing Polaroids. There are many different filters that can transform your photos. I enjoy the blur feature. It's a great way to make the focus of your photo pop! It's perfect! And you don't have to take a photo right away to use the Instagram. You can upload a photo to the app using the camera roll and voila, change up the photo the way you like.

I give this little app 5 stars!

If you'd like to follow me this is my Instagram name instagiguere

Here are some photos I took using the Instagram.

See you on Instagram :)
Sara xox

My Favorite Christmas Recipe

I want to share with you my super easy, super yummy, super awesome truffles recipe! You can make a small batch or a giant batch like I did yesterday. These truffles can be decorated and styled in ANY WAY. I sprinkled them with festive colored sugars, cocoa powder, coconut, peanut crumbs, colored chocolates, the possibilities are endless! These truffles have always been a big hit every year, with their solid chocolate coating and creamy center.

Yesterday I made over 175, along with another 175 of peanut butter balls. I want to make sure to have yummy snacks on hands for the holiday season. I will also be giving some out as gifts. I bought decoratives tins from the dollar store and put a dozen truffles in each. It's the perfect Christmas gift for your child's teacher, bus driver and babysitter.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Here is the simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Crush the entire box of cookies. You can use a fork, potatoes masher, or place them in a large ziplock and use a rolling pin. Crush cookies completely.
2. Mix your cream cheese brick in with the crushed cookies in a large bowl. You may want to put your hands in there and blend it.
3. Make small balls with the dough. Roll them in your hands for the perfect shape. Place them on parchment paper of a cookie sheet.
4. Refrigerate until firm.
5. Dip in chocolate, then refrigerate.
6. Decorate as desired.

Tips

• For variety, use different types of chocolates; white, milk, dark, colored.
• Use toppings, Oreo crumbs, sprinkles, peanuts, toffee bits, coconut, cocoa powder etc.

These truffles can be frozen, be sure to take them out at least an hour prior before serving.

-Michelle 

What I'm Listening To

It's been a while since I've come across some incredible music. I'm an incredible music junkie who is constantly keeping an open ear to new acts.

My friend and I got talking about artists we listen to. We have similar taste in music. He mentioned this folk duo I've never heard of before but they are becoming increasingly popular. You'll hear why.

Ladies and gentlemen...

The Civil Wars

And my personal favourite track is Go (below)

Well I hope I've brought a little folk into your life and you enjoy this band as much as I do.

Sara
X

A Homemade December?

I can't believe Christmas is almost here. That means that I need to get going on my Christmas shopping.

I'd like to think that I'm an excellent gift giver but I'm not so confident this year. I have a few fantastic presents ready for the big reveal but I'm missing some key people.

Fro instance, my mum is one hard person to shop for. The moment I think I got the perfect gift, she's already gone out and bought it for herself. And so the search for the perfect gift continues.

My favourite gifts are the homemade ones. They are the most special and the most unique.
In the past I've made bath salts, took a page from William & Sonoma and made ready to make cookies in a jar. I've knitted hats and crocheted scarves.

If you're going to go home made this year make sure you do your research and have your gifts made sooner rather than later. You don't want to be panicking to finish a project when the big day approaches or not finish and have to fight the crowds on Christmas Eve.

If you've made or received some awesome homemade gifts let us know by sending an email of the gift to forevertickledpink@live.ca

We'd love to read your ideas and post our favourites here on the blog.

Sara