Christmas DIY

I love giving gifts. When people ask me for Christmas lists for what I want, I never have any idea. But coming up with an awesome gift to give to one of my family members is way better than receiving gifts. Not that I'm saying I don't love presents...because, let's be honest. 

Mr. Thomas & Me and Hooley with a Z

Today's #12daysofblogging prompt is DIY gifts. I have been crafty in the past, but DIY gifts are necessarily my strong suit. So here are a two ideas!

1. I save corks from every bottle of wine I drink. There are multiple megamugs and aquariums (super huge glasses from bars at OU that made their way home with me after a night of drinking...oops) that now serve as the home to 100s of corks. 

From here

I came across this on Pinterest- which actually was from an Etsy site. But I see no reason I couldn't recreate something like this! I've also seen cork trivets to put a hot pan on on your table. My family and friends love wine just as much as I do, so these seem like a perfect gift!

Now I just want to drink 100 bottles of this wine so I can use all of these corks!

2. This was our go-to gift for our teachers all through school. My mom's toffee. It's still one of my favorites! And trust me, it is fan-freaking-tastic. 

Pecan or Hazelnut Toffee

Line a 9x13 pan with foil
Spread 3/4 cup coarsely chopped nuts evenly over foil.

Prepare and set aside separately 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts, and 3/4 cup chocolate chips (either milk chocolate or semi-sweet will work) 

In medium saucepan:
Melt 1 cup Butter
Add 1-1/4 cup Brown sugar
1 Tablespoon corn syrup
3 Tablespoon water

Cook on medium heat with candy thermometer until it reaches 290 degrees

Immediately pour over chopped Nuts on foil.  

After 2 min, sprinkle the chips over hot toffee and spread them around when they are melted

Sprinkle the finely chopped nuts over chocolate and press in

Let cool and break into pieces.

I wish I had pictures of this, but I promise it is incredibly delicious- and besides having to use a candy thermometer (I swear I can never read the damn things), it's super easy!