handmade holiday gifts: infused vodka

I really tried to make most of my holiday gifts this year and wanted to make something that could be used (i.e. not something that people would say "this is SO GREAT!" and then either throw it away or stash it in a junk drawer.)

After Christmas, I'll post my "main" project this season, but I want to make sure that I don't spoil the surprise.

I made infused vodkas for my bosses this year and I think they turned out pretty well. This gift takes a few days to make, so start now and you'll be golden for getting it done before Christmas! There are plenty of recipes on-line if you google "infused vodka recipe" but I just kind of winged it. Basically, you put your thing to be infused in an air tight jar with vodka, shake it a few times a day, and strain once complete. I made a habanero vodka (perfect for Bloody Marys) and a mandarin vodka.

Recipe for infused vodkas:

1. Choose a decent vodka (I used Smirnoff...don't use the cheap stuff just because it's disgusting and the super nice stuff may be a waste if your infusion goes wrong.)

2. Measure the amount of vodka for your container (mine found at The Container Store.) and then add a little bit that will be absorbed into the fruit.

3. I used one whole habanaro, seeded and cut into 4 pieces. And I used 1 small can of drained mandarin oranges.

4. Pour the vodka and the item being infused into an air tight container. Cover, give the container a shake to mix up the Vodka and fruit and then store in a dry cool place (I stuck mine in the pantry.)

5. Both of my infusions only took 2 and a half days. Shake a few times a day and you can taste a bit as you go. Some infusions may take a week or more, so check with other sites for infusion times.

6. Once infusion is complete, strain the fruit and pour into final container.

holiday handmade- part two

As I mentioned in my previous post, my co-workers and myself decided to give the gift of handmade this year! Check out the lovely gifts that I received.


A gift from Sarah

Sarah hand knit this beautiful scarf! It is so warm and so soft. Seriously, when I first felt it, I wanted to snuggle up with it in bed! I wore it many times in Milwaukee's bitter cold winter. The thing I love most about it is that it is long enough to wrap around my neck three times! Super cute and practical!

A gift from Lisa

Lisa always throws the most fun get togethers. All of her girl friends are tons on fun to be with and the food is always amazing! Knowing how much we all like her cooking, she made us all little recipe cards of her "signature" dishes. My favorites are her cheesy potatoes and her Red Lobster biscuits!

A gift from Heather

Heather gave another beautiful hand made scarf, a la Martha Stewart. It's not as warm as Sarah's, but it sure is fashionable! And, I must say, I love the color!

A gift from Nellie

Nellie's gift seemed to never end! She is our graphic designer and she was able to put her talents to good use. She made a whole coordinating desk set! She designed a list pad with a personalize picture, a pencil cup, personalized stationery, and cute matching desk clips inspired by Susy Jack. She even choose the exact same paper that I have used to decorate my house. Remember the magnet board? It's perfect!

A gift from Katie

What a fabulous idea! Katie was able to get her hands on some cut metal and created a recipe card holder from it. She even made personalized magnets for each one. Could she and Lisa have exchanged gift ideas? Because their gifts work perfectly together!

A gift from Tracie

OK, so Tracie didn't necessarily follow the handmade rule, but she did get me something that I can use to make more handmade items! Truth be told, I was having a pretty crummy day before our holiday party. To cheer me up, Tracie told me that she couldn't wait to give my my gift. What could it be? What did I want? Well, I knew I did not want anything in particular, so my guess was as good as any. I literally jumped out of my seat when I opened it! I love it so much!





And I really loved ALL of the gifts that I received. Each one was created or purchased with thought and love. I couldn't ask for anything more. I truly worked with some of the most amazing ladies that I have ever met.