Try using a Mason Jar...

As a centerpiece

As a soap dispenser

As a blender jar

As outdoor lighting

As wedding decor

As sewing storage

As a unique chandelier

As a picture frame. (Stick a photo in a jar of olive oil.)

The way it was intended... To hold your icy sweet tea.

Want s'more brownies?

Here is my attempt to take a box of brownie mix to a whole new level, AND help you stick to the Four Main Food Groups this Christmas: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup.

These are decadent. And ridiculously gooey. You'll love 'em!

What You'll Need
1 box of brownie mix (enough to fill a 13"x9" pan)
1 package of graham crackers (not a whole box, just one package that comes in the box)
2 c. mini marshmallows
3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 TB salted butter
2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/3-1/2 c. milk

What to Do

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Stir up brownie mix according to the directions on the box.
3. Lightly butter a 13"x 9" pan, and cover with a single layer of graham crackers.
4. Pour brownie batter into pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (about 25 minutes).
5. While your pan of deliciousness is baking, make the chocolate icing: place chocolate and butter in a glass bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Add powered sugar and vanilla. While stirring, gradually add milk until the icing is smooth, but not runny... just drizzle-able.
6. When the brownies are done, remove from oven, and turn temp to broil.
7. Spread marshmallows over the brownies, and pop in the broiler until golden brown.
8. Drizzle chocolate icing all over the top, and voila. They're done!

These are equally eaten warm with a spoon and cold milk, or cooled with a cup of coffee.  


Credits
Photo courtesy of Dassant

Inspiration

Used so haphazardly, that word. Inspiration. I think sometimes I toss words carelessly around, without thinking about their true meanings. Funny, how this word that drips off our tongues incessantly is also incredibly undervalued. I for one attribute it far too often to grand things--famous works of art, colossal buildings, revered people--and neglect its meaning: "stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc. to special or unusual activity or creativity." Now for the point of this musing.

Inspiration is not exclusive to eminence.

Anything, big or small, can stimulate creativity, stir up feelings, bring joy to the heart--in a word, inspire.

Today, as I was throwing away a candy wrapper, I glanced at the fine print and saw the phrase,"salt, peppermint oil." Even the tiniest discoveries can bring inspiration.