Posted in Crafts, Crochet, Gifts, Vacation

Dollar Tree Crochet Craft Kits

When on vacation or traveling, I like to have a few portable crafts on hand. An unexpected flight delay, a rainy afternoon, or a relaxing day at the pool are all part of the trip. Having a handy craft at the ready can be quite enjoyable. I look for projects that are compact and simplistic, without lots of parts and pieces.

Visiting the local Dollar Tree, I found a few Amigurumi kits that I would bring on my Disney Vacation Club trip. I usually take a day or two to just relax and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the parks and shops. These kits are $1.25, but remember, you get what you pay for… The pattern is VERY difficult to decider and I ran out of yarn for one of the petite pets (dog) and had to improvise with yarn I had left over for another part of the project. You’ll notice I have used gray yarn on the left dog ear because I ran out of brown.

Gray yarn used to trim ear

Before leaving for vacation, I enlarged the pattern in my copier so I have a legible pattern to follow. (The pattern that accompanies the kit is very small and difficult to follow.)

Dog
Enlarged copy of pattern
Bunny
Teddy Bear
Dollar Tree Kits

I also found a YouTube video for compact Easter Crochet Flower that hold Cadbury Eggs for a cute co-worker gift before the holiday. I used Peaches and Creme yarn from Walmart ($1.99 at Florida Walmart) to complete the flowers. These cakes are compact and easy to pack. I also travel with a mesh craft bag that fits in my carry on. Inside I have crochet hooks, stitch markers, TSA approved scissors, tapestry needles, etc.

Easter Egg Flower
Simplistic portable supplies

What crafts do you like to bring along when you travel?

Posted in Baking, Food, Snack

Spicy Pretzel Pieces

Our family enjoys this slightly spicy snack mix. A quick and tasty way to use up broken pretzel pieces.

Spicy Pretzel Pieces

  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 2 packages dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 16 ounces pretzels broken pretzel pieces

Method

  • In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients except pretzels.
  • Mix well and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Continue to combine pretzel mix while waiting for the oven to preheat. Make sure all pretzel pieces are completely coated.
  • Once the oven is preheated, pour pretzels into a lined baking pan and spread into an even layer. Set the bowl aside without washing the bowl.
  • Place in baking pan in oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and stir, making sure to mix back in any oil or spices on the bottom of the pan.
  • Bake for another 15 minutes.
  • Pour pretzels back into original mixing bowl and stir well to pick up any spices or oil left in the bowl.
  • Once cooled, store in an airtight container.