 When my daughter Alisha was almost due with her baby, I was invited to the baby shower given by her school co-workers. We had planned a family/friend shower and I already had a gift in mind for baby Caeden to give then. So, for this shower I wanted to give a gift that would be fun for her. But, of course I waited until the day of - nothing like a little self-imposed pressure to get the creativity going. Trying to think of something, I mentally went back to my baby hospital stays and remembered that after deliveries I was always starving. My friends would then smuggle in a burger or pizza – contraband. Then I thought, “What if you planned for the contraband before going into the hospital?” As a result, I came up with the idea of a Hospital Contraband Kit. The Hospital Contraband Kit is a clear make-up bag with a printed label inserted inside that is then filled with personally tailored contents. For my daughter, I chose chocolate contraband and she loved it! Shortly after that, another friend’s daughter had her baby. It was Christmas Eve afternoon and I didn’t want to fight any crowds at the stores. I remembered that I had an extra make-up bag and quickly printed the label then headed out the door. On my way, I stopped at a convenience store (more expensive but worth it to miss the Christmas chaos) to pick up the contraband. It was a pretty effortless gift and she thought it was great. Here are the fast and easy steps for you to put together your own kit. Print. Fold. Fill. #1 Print the free download #2 Fold on the printed lines #3 Fill with 1 of 3 options  You don't really need to get sick to have or make one. Here are the different things you can put inside.       To Do - • Print - PDF Download on 8.5 x 11 white cardstock • Fold - printout on light grey lines • Buy - clear make-up bag approx $6 (Modella Brand WalMart) • Buy - contents, your choice • Fill - and give 
So, what would you put in a Hospital Contraband Kit?
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I can't believe it's December. DECEMBER. This so snuck up on me this year. As you know, it's the gift giving season! So I'm thinking about gifts, what fun they are and that I need to get busy getting mine together. One of my favorite types of gifts to get/give are kits. (ok, besides the expensive jewelry, clothes, and art categories.) Kits are so delightful. They're a surprise within a surprise. I love the feeling of being surprised again and again as I look through what was put into the kit. Friendship Bracelet Kit • A To Do Kit • (click image for link) 
Image & Idea from Tattertots & Jello
Kits can be designed around any conceivable topic or theme. Like a Snowman Kit. Who knew I wanted a Snowman Kit. It's about as creative as you want to be. Snowman Kit • How totally clever! (click image for link) 
Image & Idea from the Fickle Pickle
And kits don't have to be expensive. Which is such a bonus. Some of the items might not be so great on their own (like embroidery thread) but when combined with other inexpensive items and packaged up in a fun way it says I care. Which is what gift giving is all about. They can also be done straight from home. Like from your own kitchen. How convenient! Goodies Kit • Baked Goods in Cello Bags • click image for link 
Image & Idea From Blissfully Content
I've already created one kit for one of my kids on a regular shopping trip. You can create a kit too. You don't even have to think up your own kit contents, there are so many great ones out there already. I have a whole pin board of them, so you can go here and just pick an idea out. Remember it's December, the gift giving season.
 SHORTCUT defined - a method, procedure, policy etc., that reduces the time or energy needed to accomplish something. A means of saving time or effort. Dictionary.com How I define shortcut? A little bit o' wisdom that makes my life easier. My days can get very busy where I'm not home much. I know you can relate. I hate to buy fast food because I feel I have to - meaning we are behind, where I (or a family member) am not going to have time or energy to make something when we get home or I have been held up longer than planned and won't be home at all. This shortcut is always a life saver because 1) everyone can make their own, even little ones, 2) everyone can create the kind they want and 3) it can be done in less than 30 minutes (you'd spend that much time detouring, ordering and waiting for fast food with not as much health benefit.) This is not an earth shattering idea but most of the time the things that help us streamline our lives are not extraordinary just simple. It only needs to be pointed out. PIZZA DOUGH IN THE FRIDGE FOR DAYS Make a patch (or double batch) of dough and let it sit in the fridge for use during the week. It can be for last minute meals or you can plan ahead and have it ready for the dreadful days. You can use if for breadsticks, calzones or pizzas. If you end up not using it during the week you can freeze it to use on another one of those days. Toppings or stuffings can be made from just about anything. So look for some "anythings" in the fridge. Here is the recipe that we have used for years (at least 10)
If you want more info and photos to walk you through making dough here is a site that might work Anna Maria Volpi - A Passion for Cooking. She does it by hand. We use a Kitchen Aid. Putting pizza dough in the fridge has really helped make my life easier. It's like fast food from home. Tell me if it works for you.  |
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