Happy 2009!

 
HAPPY NEW YEAR from PINEAPPLE HILL

As the new year begins, here are some things to think about...

"Don't Put Off Your Happy Life" Create your own "happy-life" list! ...

click here 14 Timeless Ways to Live a Happy Life by Alex Blackwell Print This Post

How we achieve happiness can be different for each one of us. Our passions, expectations, life experiences, and even our personalities all contribute to the level of happiness we experience in our lives.

Some find happiness in their careers while others prefer the bliss found in their marriages or other intimate relationship. No matter how you define happiness for yourself, there are certain universal and time-proven strategies to bring, and sustain, more happiness into your life.

The following 14 ways to live a happy life can be adapted and even customized to fit your needs. Over time, these strategies will become positive and life-changing habits that will begin to bring more happiness, joy and peace into your life.

1. Notice What’s Right

Some of us see the glass as being half-full, while others see the glass as half-empty. The next time you are caught in traffic, begin thinking how nice it is to have a few moments to reflect on the day, focus on a problem you have been trying to solve, or brainstorm on your next big idea. The next time you get in the slow line at the grocery store, take the opportunity to pick up a tabloid magazine and do some “guilty pleasure” reading. Take all that life throws out you and reframe it with what’s right about the situation. At the end of the day, you will more content, at peace and happy. Take the time to begin to notice what’s right and see the world change in front of your eyes.

2. Be Grateful

How many times do you say the words “thank you,” in a day? How many times do you hear these same words? If you are doing the first thing, saying the “thank yous,” the latter will naturally happen. Learn to be grateful and you will be open to receive an abundance of joy and happiness.

3. Remember the Kid You Were

Do you remember how to play? I’m not referring to playing a round of golf or a set of tennis. I’m talking about playing like you did when you were a child – a game of tag; leap frog, or street baseball when the bat is a broken broom handle and the bases are the parked cars. One way to find or maintain your happiness is to remember the kid you were and play!

4. Be Kind

There is no question that by merely watching acts of kindness creates a significant elevation in our moods and increases the desire for us to perform good deeds as well. Kindness is indeed contagious and when we make a commitment to be kind to ourselves and to others we can experience new heights of joy, happiness and enthusiasm for our lives.

5. Spend Time with Your Friends

Although an abundant social and romantic life does not itself guarantee joy, it does have a huge impact on our happiness. Learn to spend time with your friends and make the friendships a priority in your life.

6. Savor Every Moment

To be in the moment is to live in the moment. Too often we are thinking ahead or looking ahead to the next event or circumstance in our lives, not appreciating the “here and now.” When we savor every moment, we are savoring the happiness in our lives.

7. Rest

There are times when we need the time to unwind, decompress, or to put it simply, just “to chill.” Life comes at all of us hard and fast. Time, as do the days on the calendar, keeps going forward at its own natural pace, which is not always the pace we would choose. Fatigue, stress and exhaustion may begin to settle in on us faster than we may think, or notice. The best remedy for this is indeed rest.

8. Move!

The expression a “runner’s high” does not infer an addiction, but a feeling or a state of mind - a state of euphoria. There is no question exercise, or any physical exertion, elevates your mood and enhances a more positive attitude as well as fosters better personal self-esteem and confidence. Indeed, one way to increase your happiness is to move!

9. Put on a Happy Face

Sometimes we have to fake it until we make it. I’m not suggesting that we not be honest, real or authentic, but I’m suggesting, sometimes, we just need to put on a happy face and keep moving forward. Researchers claim that smiling and looking like we are happy will indeed make us happier. Studies further show that if we act like we are happy then we can experience greater joy and happiness in our lives.

10. Pursue Your Goals

The absence of goals in our lives, or more specifically avoiding to pursue our goals, makes us feel like we are stuck and ineffective. The pursuit of goals in our personal lives, in our relationships, or with our careers, is the difference between having a mediocre life or a life full of passion and enthusiasm. pursue your goals and watch your happiness soar.

11. Finding Your Calling

Some find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding your calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple strategy for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose – of feeling like you are here for a reason – can perhaps bring the greatest joy of all

12. Get into the Flow

Flow is the form of joy, excitement and happiness that occurs when we are so absorbed in an activity we love that we can loose ourselves and time seems to stand still. What creates flow is unique to each one of us. To find and sustain true happiness in our lives, we must get off the sidelines and get into the flow.

13. Play to Your Strengths

One way to achieve flow is by understanding and identifying our strengths and core values, and then begin to use these every day. Once we aware of our strengths and we begin to play to your strengths we can better incorporate them in all aspects of our lives.

14. Don’t Overdo It

Know when to say when. What gives you joy and happiness the first time may not work the second time. Too much of a good thing may begin not to feel as good if the “thing” becomes more of a routine, or an expectation. Set healthy and reasonable boundaries for yourself and don’t overdo it. The adorable graphic is designed by Linzie Hunter and is available here.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you Hope, Love and Happiness!

from Pineapple Hill

Gift Tags

Fun, FREE, Gift Tags

Click Here: Gift Tags To Print Out

Click Here: marthastewart

Click Here: grandrevivaldesign

Painted China Gifts

It's easy to find plain, reasonably priced ceramic pieces at home goods stores; applying dot-painted designs transforms them into meaningful gifts. Add a friend's monogram or favorite motif, or design a pretty pattern yourself. Fill painted mugs with bags of candy, or tie a stack of flower-covered plates with a ribbon. You will need: Ceramic mugs or plates (available at home goods stores) Red transfer paper Tape Ballpoint pen Food-safe ceramic paint, such as Pebeo Porcelaine 150Small containers Wooden coffee stirrers Applicator bottle(s) Scrap paper Baby wipes You'll also need one of Martha's templates: Monogram Script Bird Block Letters Floral Design

Another Give Away

Want to win our Merry Measuring Cups? Go HERE to find out how!

Pretty Personalized Pearls

Need we say More....

See for yourself!

Holly Jolly Polka Dot Bag

HOW CUTE IS THIS!

Large Jute Red with White Dots Bag

This is the most adorable jute tote we have seen!

A huge favorite, it is lined inside and has a magnetic closure and zippered pocket.

As a handbag or as a tote, bags just don't get much more fun than these!

Roomy enough to hold shopping goodies, books and papers,

or the "life" that you fill your purse with, this bag is just plain fun!You'll love our great 18" by 16" larger jute tote with great round wooden handles. Single letter curls letter will go on this bag in the spot shown.

To Die For

Old-Fashioned Drop Cookies

Mix together thoroughly:

• 1/2 c. soft shortening
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 eggs Stir in:
• 1 c. sour cream
• 1 t. vanilla
• Sift together and stir in:
• 2 3/4 c. flour
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. baking powder
• 1/2 t. salt

Chill at least one hour. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls about 2" apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees about 8 - 10 minutes. Bake until delicately browned, just until, when touched lightly with finger, almost no imprint remains. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Easy Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter (room temperatur
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1b. 10X powdered sugar
• 1-3 teaspoons milk, half and half or cream

Using a mixer, cream softened butter and vanilla until smooth. Add sugar gradually, allowing butter and sugar to cream together before adding more. If you want your frosting a little creamier, add a teaspoon of milk at a time and beat on high until you get the right texture.

Fun Flirty Aprons

We have two new aprons just in time for the holidays! They are so fun and personalization is included.

So cute with a name or monogram embroidered for the perfect finishing touch.

Just In

Thanksgiving Inspiration

Talking Turkey

with

Emeril

(photo from Williams-Sonoma)

Celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse, shares his expertise for the big day! Carve that turkey to perfection with these great tips:

First off, make sure you have a very sharp, long, slender knife, and a 2-pronged, long-handled fork to easily grip the turkey and keep it from sliding. Having the right tools will definitely help you remove the meat in attractive slices.

1. Place the turkey on a large platter or cutting board where it will not slide or shift while being carved. Cut the string and remove the contents of the carcass.
2. Remove the drumstick and thigh from the carcass by inserting the point of the knife into the leg joint and what looks like, and what commonly is called, the oyster. Cut the dark meat completely from the body by cutting along the carcass.
3. Cut through the joint between the drumstick and thigh. Lay a drumstick flat on the cutting surface and hold it steady with the fork, and slice parallel to the bone. Cut the thigh in a similar manner.
4. Cut through the wing joint and remove it from the breast as you removed the legs. Leave the wings whole and place on the serving platter.
5. Carve the breast by holding one side of the breast with the fork, and slicing full-length slices of meat by pulling the knife down through the meat, parallel to the breastbone.

Handmade Cornucopia (Martha Stewart Living)

A raffia cornucopia filled with fall produce looks bountiful when set on a sideboard or chest. Get the Step-by-Step Instructions

Harvest Wreath

Now is just the moment for a crisp-as-fall wreath made with artfully layered dried cornhusks.

Get the Step-by-Step Instructions

Give THANKS by GIVING! Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting. ~Princess Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse. ~Anne-Sophie Swetchine

12 Days of Junkie

Tip Junkie ( one of my favorite places for inspiration) is having a 12 Days of Junkie where there will be 2 winners announced each day for the next 12 days! It's to help promote the women who are selling their products in the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon.

(By the way, Pineapple Hill is one of them, so check it out!)

Visit Tip Junkie and enter the contest and check out all the amazing gift-giving possibilities in the shop-a-thon! Good Luck!

Pineapple Hill Designs

Save 20%!

Use Code: TipJunkie

The Lil' Peanut Patch

A few months ago, my little granddaughter, Addie,was featured as The Lil' Peanut of the Month on the website The Lil Peanut Patch. My daughter, Marci nominated me for their "Marvelous Mommy" feature which was very kind of her( she's not biased at all). The Lil' Peanut Patch is great website dedicated to moms and kids. Check it out. Do you know a "Marvelous Mommy" who should be featured a The Lil Peanut Patch? Send them an e-mail with her name and e-mail address.

Veteran's Day

"But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for,Is their monument to-day, and for aye.

~Thomas Dunn English

Patriotic Fans

Proclaim your allegiance, with these red, white, and blue decorations.

With wooden garden markers as handles, our fans make great party favors.

Arrange a cluster of them in a cup for a festive centerpiece,

or turn them into place cards

by affixing printed name labels to the sticks.

Patriotic Fan Template

Stars N Stripes Fan TemplatePatriotic Door Mat

Star Spangled Garland

Patriotic Gelatin Salad

from Sharon INGREDIENTS:

2 (3 ounce) packages berry blue gelatin

2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored gelatin

• 4 cups boiling water, divided
• 2 1/2 cups cold water, divided
• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. In four separate bowls, dissolve each package of gelatin in 1 cup boiling water.
2. Add 1/2 cup cold water to each and stir.
3. Pour one bowl of blue gelatin into an oiled 10-in. fluted tub pan; chill until almost set, about 30 minutes.
4. Set other three bowls of gelatin aside at room temperature. Soften unflavored gelatin in remaining cold water; let stand 5 minutes.
5. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat just below boiling. Stir in softened gelatin and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
6. When blue gelatin in pan in almost set, carefully spoon 1-1/2 cups sour cream mixture over it. Chill until almost set, about 30 minutes.
7. Carefully spoon one bowl of strawberry gelatin over cream layer. Chill until almost set. Carefully spoon 1-1/2 cups cream mixture over the strawberry layer.

Flag Cookies Martha Stewart Living -

This simple sugar cookie, decorated with royal icing in red, white, and blue, makes a perfect patriotic treat. To achieve flawless flag stripes, use plastic squeeze bottles to flood the cookies with royal icing.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• Pinch of salt

Egg Free Royal Icing Red and blue paste food colorings

Directions:

1. Cut a 3-by-5-inch template out of lightweight cardboard, or create a template by stacking several index cards together, then wrapping them in plastic wrap, leaving one side smooth; set aside. Line 2 baking sheets with Silpat baking mats or parchment paper, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar for 1 minute. Add vanilla, flour, and salt, and mix until just combined, 1 to 2 minutes more.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Place the smooth side of the template onto the dough, and cut out a rectangle using a paring knife; repeat to make a total of 16 rectangles, re-rolling dough as needed.
4. Transfer rectangles to prepared baking sheets using a wide spatula. Chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Bake cookies until they are just beginning to color and are lightly firm to the touch, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove to cooling rack, and let cool completely.
6. Divide the royal icing evenly among 4 bowls, and cover each tightly with plastic wrap. Set one bowl aside for outlining the cookies. Add red food coloring to one of the bowls, and mix thoroughly, adding more food coloring if necessary to obtain desired color. Add 2 or 3 teaspoons of water to icing so it is loose enough to flow easily off of a spatula when lifted and forms a ribbon that dissolves almost immediately. Replace plastic wrap, and cover tightly. Repeat this process with another bowl of icing using blue food coloring. To the third bowl of icing, add just the water, and mix thoroughly. Recover all bowls tightly with plastic wrap.
7. Transfer the reserved outlining icing to a small pastry bag fitted with a No. 5 tip. Pipe an even line on the outside edges of the cookie. Divide the cookie in half with a horizontal line. To form the outline of the canton (the field of stars), pipe a vertical line 1/3 of the way from the left side of the cookie until it meets the first horizontal line. To form the stripes, pipe two evenly spaced horizontal lines above the original horizontal line and to the right of the canton. Pipe 3 more evenly spaced horizontal lines from left to right under the canton. Repeat this process on the remaining cookies. Reserve the icing in the pastry bag for the stars. Allow the icing to dry for at least 1 hour.
8. Place the remaining 3 icings into separate squeeze bottles. Flood the field of stars with enough blue icing to fill the space evenly without overflowing. Use the tip of a small knife or a wooden skewer to push the icing completely into the corners. Using the same technique, flood every other stripe with the red icing. Allow the icing to dry for at least 2 hours. Flood the remaining stripes with the white icing.
9. Change the tip of the pastry bag with the reserved white icing to a No. 16 tip. Pipe out as many stars onto the blue icing as will fit. Allow the icing to dry. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. (Makes 12 -large-cookies)

Spotlight Sites:

www.silverandgoldandthee.com:80/Holiday2/Rem.html

www.sherylfranklin.com/holidays/veterans_day.html

www.fathershands.com/finalinspection/

To See More Sites Visit : Miner Moments Blog

In the Spotlight

Pineapple Hill was featured as a "Saturday Sweet Shoppe" at the Little Window Shoppes. Check it out!

Holiday Candies

Are you looking for some new candy recipes

to serve your guests during the holidays

and give as gifts to friends and neighbors?

(pictures from Martha Stewart)

Here You Go Sweetie

Just click on the name of the CANDY to see the recipe.

2 Minute Microwave Fudge 5 Minute Fudge 7 Layer Bars Aaron's Buttery Cashew Brittle Almond Bark Amanda's Peppermint Creams Ann's Cream Nut Candy Bavarian Inn Peanut Bars Beth's Delicious Fudge Brownie Fudge Dessert Buckeyes Buckeyes Butter Toffee Candied Yams Candy Bar Brownies Candy Cane Brittle Candy Cane Fudge Caramel Krispie Treats Caramels Carmel Corn Carol's Christmas Treats Chocolate Almond Bars Chocolate Balls Chocolate Billionaires Chocolate Chow Mein Candy Chocolate Covered Cherries Chocolate Covered Nuts Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Covered Pretzels Chocolate Nut Caramels Chocolate Popcorn Chocolate Silk Bon Bons Chocolate Truffels Christmas Candied Walnuts Christmas Crackle Candy Christmas Mice Chunky Mallow Candy Cinnamon Hard Candy Cinnamon Popcorn Cranberry Nut Fudge Cream Cheese Candy Creamy Chocolate Truffles Creamy Microwave Pralines (Texas Stye) Crispy peanutbutter balls Dark Chocolate Fudge Deborahe's Holiday Chocolates Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies Dish of Dirt Divinty Dorothy's Peanut Butter/Butterscotch Noodle Cookie Dreamcicle Fudge Easy Candy Easy Divinity Easy Divinity Easy Divinity Candy Easy Fudge Easy Granola Candy Easy Microwave Carmel Easy Microwave Fudge Easy Pecan Logs English Toffee English Toffee English Toffee Bars Fabulous Fudge Fake Brittle Fantasy Fudge Festive Chocolate Truffles Five Minute Fudge Fool-Proof Fudge Frosted Pecans Fudge Brownies Fudge for One Fudge Puddles Georgia Nuggets Grandma Donna's Nummies Grandma F's Delicious Fudge Grandmother' s Holiday Fudge Hard Candy Hard Tack Candy Hazelnut Fantasy Fudge Ho-Ho Hash Holly Confection Honey Comb J & D's Peanut Butter Balls Jeanne's Tiger Butter Jen's Chocolate Meringues J's Cream Fudge Kim's Famous Cashew Brittle Magic Marshmallow Fudge Mama's Fudge Maple Rum Balls Margie's Best Candy Martha Washington Candy Martha Washington Mounds Marzipan Melting Moments Memaw's Reese's Meme's Best Ever Peanut Butter Fudge Meringues Micky's Mints Microwave Peanutbutter fudge Microwave Pralines Milk Fudge Milky Way Bars Million Dollar Fudge Mimi's Famous Fudge Mocha Truffles Mom's Mints Mr. Monroe's Famous Fudge Mrs. Eisenhower's Fudge Never Fail Fudge Never Fail Fudge No Bake Rum Balls No Cook Peanut Butter Fudge No Fail Fudge Novia Scotia Treats Nut Mallow Goodies Nutty North Pole Fudge Orange Balls Orange Glazed Pecans Out Of This World Fudge Oven Carmel Corn Peanut Brittle Peanut Brittle (Microwave) Peanut Butter Balls Peanut Butter Balls Peanut Butter Balls Peanut Butter Bars-An Elve's Favorite Treat Peanut Butter Candy Peanut Butter Cups Peanut Butter Fruit Squares Peanut Butter Fudge Peanut Butter Snowballs Peanut Clusters (microwavable) Peanut Krispies Peanut Patties

Thanksgiving Memories

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather and make memories with family and friends. Although traditionally Thanksgiving is not a gift-giving holiday, it has so many gifts of its own; family, friends, football, delicious food and don't forget the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Thanksgiving is a holiday to express gratitude and love. There’s something special about sharing a feast with family and friends. Thanksgiving is about memories – remembering our heritage and the legacy of our ancestors, remembering who we are, who we want to be; and most of all remembering to be grateful for all the blessings we have in our lives.

Make this Thanksgiving a celebration with fun and enjoyment to remember for years to come.

Start a new tradition or rekindle old ones. Set a beautiful table or have a guest book for friends and relatives to record what they are thankful for.

The perfect Thanksgiving Keepsake Book

Our Book of Thanksgiving

A Five-Year Album of Thanksgiving Memories

Beautiful keepsake book to give as a gift or record your own family's treasured memories.

Book Hardcover40 pages

Tom and Goody Gobbler

We love this adorable pair. Designed by one of our favorite artist, Lori Mitchell.

Riding on their Gobblers, Tom and Goodie will add a little fun to your Thanksgiving table!

Each measures 9" tall and made of resin

Meet Miss Fancy Feathers! Rich satin table sitter with tulle and satin feathers and fun metal fork feet. This turkey's the talk of the town!

Measures 9" high Visit our blog again soon, we will be adding fun recipes, crafts and festive ideas to add to your "Thanksgiving Memories"!

Don't Forget

Kitty Cat Cupcakes

Remember our post "Cupcakes Take the Cake" ?

Kayley's friend Stacie made the Kitty Cat Cupcakes and posted about it

on her blog, Tales from the Fairy Dust.

They turned out so cute!

Halloween Pennant Bunting

Follow these easy, DIY Halloween craft instructions

Materials: Variety of orange and black fabric, Double-fold wide bias tape, Stitch Witchery or similar fusible bonding, tape and Scissors  

Instructions:

• 1. Cut 8"-long triangles from fabric.
• 2. Cut bias tape desired length of bunting. Fold tape in half and iron in crease.
• 3. Sandwich flags inside fold of bias tape, with Stitch Witchery on underside and top side of flag between layers of bias tape.
• 4. Iron in place to fuse the bond. (If desired, stitch down with sewing machine to secure.)

From Women's Day Website

Halloween Count Down

Visit our e-Boutique! Don't Forget "Spooky Savings" with our

SWEET SALE

Coupon Code:

BOO 20% Off entire order (minimum order $35.00)

HURRY

Offer Expires: October 31, 2008~ Halloween! Start Shopping!

Cupcakes Take the Cake

Cupcakes are so fun for family gatherings and parties. We looked around for some great ideas and these are our favorites. Just click the title for recipe and details.

1.

Spider Cupcake

2.

Black Cat Cupcake

3.

Witch Cupcake

4.

Mummy Cupcake

5.

Creepy Cupcake

6.

Wicked Witch Cupcake

A Whole Year of Cupcakes

from Martha Stewart Kids

• 
  
  
  January: Snowman Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  February: Xs and Os Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  March: Lion and Lamb Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  April: Butterfly Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  May: Lollipop Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  June: Shark and Beach Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  July: Flag Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  August: Clown Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  September: Apple Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  October: Witch Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  November: Turkey Cupcakes
• 
  
  
  December: Holly

Please Note:

All the designs above start as Chocolate Cupcakes or Vanilla Cupcakes iced with Swiss Meringue Buttercream -- perfect for spreading in thin layers or sculpting into thick mounds (and licking from the bowl).