my life gifts - Gifts Articles 10709

Badges
The basics of pin Badges stem back over numerous years but the fact remains that Badges are still as popular today as they have always been. When used as promotional pieces Badges can be highly effective and anyone that is considering putting a promotional campaign together might like to use Badges as a means of advertising. How many times have you seen politicians on the ?party` bus using Badges as means of promoting their party? You`ll see pensioners and kids, adults and animals wearing all types of the Badges in very prominent positions. The reason why badges are still popular as promotional pieces is that these little advertising aids are fun. IIf you want to promote your message in a positive manner then badges can be the ideal solutions. Bands that need the right types of advertising aids can use a variety of badges to good effect. Because they are relatively inexpensive to have printed, a cool looking badge can be given away to help build a fan base. In fact, if you look at the prices of batches of badges you`ll find that these inexpensive items can be printed for less than you would imagine. If you have specific artwork in mind you`ll be able to download it to specialist badge making companies and they`ll be able to make you a brilliant batch of bold badges. The basics of pin badges have remained the same for many years and they are still as popular today as they always have been.

Personalised Baby Gifts
A beautiful bonnie baby is a sight for sore eyes and when new babies are brought into the world the family and friends of the happy couple will want to shower it with glorious gifts. There are many thoughtful presents that can be given to the baby and a fine collection of Personalised Baby Gifts are available for little boys and girls throughout the land. Within this charming collection are items like a personalised teddy basket that looks utterly delightful and contains many cracking treats. The pretty little white wicker basket is lined with a pastel floral print and the customer can order blue or pink check trim depending on if it`s for a baby boy or girl. Inside this exquisite basket is a white cotton bib that has gingham appliqu� teddies in pink or blue. On its own it would make a fantastic present for a new baby but when you consider that it can be embroidered with the baby`s name and date of birth, it transforms into one of the unique Personalised Baby Gifts. Every new baby needs to have their own teddy and one is carefully placed into the basket as well. This would make a comprehensive present as it was but also included are bootees, a soft brush and comb set and a silver plated first tooth box. Babies will be glad they have entered the World if they presented with Personalised Baby Gifts such as this.

So you need some great party ideas, huh? Why not start with some excellent appetizers first?

It?s true! Perhaps, you may find this idea so simple that you might overlook this phase. But hey! :) Is there such a "great" party without delicious food?

Food should always be the center of any party! It?s no secret; everybody loves eating!

So are you ready to get started? Put your hat on! We are going to build that menu from scratch! On your marks... Ready... Gooo... :)

Marinated Chicken Wings

1 cup dry sherry
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
48 chicken wings

In a large bowl combine sherry, soy sauce, garlic powder and ginger; set aside. Disjoint chicken wings into 3 parts each. Discard the tip end or save to use for soup stock at a later time. Marinate chicken pieces in sherry mixture in the refrigerator at least three hours, but not longer than 24 hours.

Arrange 20 pieces at a time in a single layer on a heat- resistant, non-metallic serving platter. Heat, uncovered, in Microwave Oven 12 to 14 minutes or until chicken is well cooked. Turn chicken pieces over after 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining pieces as needed.

Tip: Uncooked chicken pieces can either be stored in refrigerator for 2 to 3 days or may be frozen for 3 months. Cooked pieces may be reheated.

Serving Size: 12

Colorado Potato Supremes

4 russet potatoes
8 teaspoons whole seed or grainy mustard
6 ounces brie cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives or green onion tops

Preheat oven to 400F. Prick potatoes in 5 or 6 places with he tines of a fork. Bake potatoes 50-60 minutes, until tender and skins are crisp. Cut potatoes crosswise into 4 thick slices. With a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out a little potato from the center.

Season with salt and pepper; spread each hollowed out center with 1/2 teaspoon mustard. Cut up brie into 16 chunks; place one piece in each center. Sprinkle with chives. Place on baking sheets. Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese has melted and browned in spots. Serve warm.

Makes 16 appetizers.

Crisp-Fried Pasta Nibbles

Pasta -- in desired shapes
Oil for deep frying
Garlic salt *

*Note: Another seasoned salt may be used instead of garlic salt.

Cook pasta in boiling salted water until almost tender. Drain and pat dry on paper towels. Heat oil in deep Saut� pan or heavy skillet to 375F. Add pasta, a few pieces at a time, to hot oil and fry until lightly browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with garlic salt. Serve immediately, or cool then store in airtight container. Makes 12 appetizers.

Meatballs with Mint Dipping Sauce

2 pounds lean ground beef, lamb, or beef/sausage combination
3 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Oil for frying

Mint Dipping Sauce:

1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced, or 1/4 teaspoon dry
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

Prepare the Mint Dipping Sauce and refrigerate. Combine the yogurt, mint, green onions, garlic and ginger; cover and chill until ready to use. Mix all the meatball ingredients together by hand until well combined.

Form the mixture into approximately 1� ounce balls either by hand or with a meat baller. Pour just enough oil into a non-stick frying pan to cover the bottom and heat. Add the meatballs, in batches if necessary, and cook through, browning them on all sides. Drain them on paper towels. The meatballs can be cooked a day or two ahead of time, or cooked and frozen weeks ahead of time, and reheated in the oven or microwave. Serve hot with chilled Mint Dipping Sauce.

Makes about 40 appetizers.