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Affiliate links are included in just about every blog post I share here on Pen + Paper Flowers.

These links allow me to easily share with you the same or similar items and tools 

I use for recipes, crafts, or projects...while also earning a little commission - without costing you a thing. 

So THANK YOU for your clicks! Each one supports my small business and allows me 

to continue sharing fun ideas + creative content with you. Yay!

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Just two days away from Valentine's Day and I've got you covered!

Check out these adorable FREE Ghirardelli Bar labels I made as a simple, affordable way to tastefully share all of the love (and chocolate) with your favorite people.

There are two styles to choose from - watercolor florals or a black and white vintage floral.

The watercolor style comes in 9 different printing options so as to include everyone on your list: coaches, teachers, principals, besties, neighbors, friends, etc.

They are so easy to make and are such a beautiful way to let someone know you love'em!

The directions and links are below!

Sure hope you're inspired to try them out and as always, if you do, tag me on Instagram so I can share your results! *wink*

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

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OTHER BLOG POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY

Llama Ghirardelli Bar Labels

Emoji Themed Ghirardelli Bar Labels

B+W Love You More than Chocolate Ghirardelli Bar Labels 

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SUPPLIES NEEDED

Ghirardelli Bars <-- here are the ones I used

FREE printable Ghirardelli candy bar labels  <-- linked below

white card stock or paper

scissors or paper trimmer

tape 

DIRECTIONS

Print FREE Ghirardelli Bar labels of choice.

Trim to size using scissors or paper trimmer.

Remove outer cardboard Ghirardelli packaging - to expose inner gold foil wrapped bar

Wrap label around candy bar being careful to align and center image on from of candy bar.

Secure with tape on back.

TIPS: 

1. Secure bottom flap of label to gold foil to prevent the label from sliding.

2. Since the product information has been removed, feel free to note the flavor of the candy bar on the

    back of the label if you'd like to indicate to your recipient what delicious flavor they are receiving.

Please Note: Ghirardelli has two different 3.5oz candy bar selections. These labels have been designed to accommodate both. For the smaller 3.5oz bar, I chose to trim off a little more of the sides to expose more of the pretty gold wrapper underneath. 

DIRECT LINKS FOR FREE CANDY BAR LABELS

 - B+W Vintage Florals "Love You" 

 - Teacher - watercolor florals

 - Principal - watercolor florals

 - Coach - watercolor florals

 - Best Friend - watercolor florals

 - Friendship Quote - watercolor florals

 - Love You - watercolor florals

 - Friend - watercolor florals

 - Neighbor - watercolor florals

 - Wishing you... - watercolor florals

KEEPING IT REAL

You should so be over on Instagram today - I'm sharing these as part of a Valentine's Day

round up of ideas with Emily from Handmade Farmhouse. I'm even sharing a video in stories of me making these - so easy! Emily has been doing a "countdown to Valentine's Day" the whole month of February and there are such fun, beautiful ideas she and some of her IG friends have been sharing! Flattered she asked me to participate!! 

GIFT IDEA | Pecan Praline Dessert Topping

Pecan Praline Dessert Topping...
Let that sink in for a minute.

Now let me help you dream up some ways to incorporate this into your life.
Think pound cakes, ice cream, apples, pancakes, right off the spoon and would
just look at how good it looks on cheesecake.  *gasp*

I shared this delicious recipe years ago and knew it deserved to be shared again.
It's gift-giving season after all and this easy-to-make, delicious treat is something everyone will love.

You should see it on cheesecake! Talk about upleveling your desserts!? (scroll down for the pic).

Enjoy the updated gift tags, recipe and pictures in this post and then be sure to PIN THIS to your "Gift Ideas" Pinterest board.

You need this in you life.
It's delicious...just trust me on this.

Pecan, Praline, Dessert, Gift, Jar, Topping

Yield: Makes 4-6 Jars

Author: Jess - Pen + Paper Flowers

Pecan Praline Dessert Topping

prep time: 5 Mcook time: 15 Mtotal time: 20 M

This easy-to-make delicious dessert topping can be enjoyed on cheesecake, pound cake, apple slices, pancakes and ice cream. You'll want to gift jars of this to your favorite people.

ingredients:

• 1 + 1/4 cups chopped pecans
• 7 TBSP butter
• 1 + 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk

instructions:

How to cook Pecan Praline Dessert Topping

1. Melt butter over low heat in saucepan; add pecans.
2. Stir until light brown and the aroma of lightly toasted pecans fills your kitchen.
3. Add brown sugar and corn syrup.
4. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Remove from heat and stir in evaporated milk.
6. Serve warm over ice cream, cheesecake, pound cake, cookies, apples or pancakes.
7. Store in refrigerator.
8. Reheat in microwave for 15 seconds.
9. SEE GIFT GIVING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

NOTES:

FOR GIFT GIVING Pour into prepared, sterilized jars with airtight lids. Add cute gifts tags - linked below Store in refrigerator.

FREE GIFT TAGS:

Pecan Praline Gift Tags

https://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2019/12/Pecan-Praline-Dessert-Topping-Recipe-and-Gift-Tags.html

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @pnpflowers on instagram and hashtag it #pnpflowersrecipe

Created using The Recipes Generator

RECIPE | Stamped Gingerbread Cookies

I shared these beauties at Christmastime on my Instagram feed and then I also included them in my Simple Christmas Decor Holiday Recap, as well as in my most recent Reflect + Release post). 

Well...despite the fact that Christmas has come and gone, I made a promise to my "InstaSistas" I'd get the recipe and instructions for these Stamped Gingerbread Cookies up on the blog before the end of January. And we are one day away from the end of January...so here they are... *wink*

I'm sharing the recipe and technique I determined to produce the most favorable results after testing a couple of different recipes and a couple of different techniques.

These cookies are a soft gingerbread cookie, created from a dough that works specifically well with cookie stamps and has a little bit of bite to them.

Recipe first, followed by the step-by-step pictures.
But first you'll need THESE COOKIE STAMPS!

•••••••••

STAMPED GINGERBREAD COOKIES

Makes one dozen cookies + a couple more

Adapted from Sue Moran from www.theviewfromgreatisland.com

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients
6 TBSP unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 packed cup plus 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1 large egg yolk

Dry Ingredients
1 3/4 cups plus 2 TBSP all-purpose flour
1 TBSP 100% Ghirardelli cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Glaze
1 cup sifted confectioner's sugar
1 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 TBSP plus 2 tsp warm water (or more)

1 small bowl of granulated sugar - approximately 1/4 cup - for rolling dough balls prior to stamping

Additional Kitchen Tools needed

Cookie Sheet
Parchment Paper <- my absolute FAVORITE kind or Silpat Baking Sheet
Cookie Stamps
Round Cookie Cutters

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375º F.

Put your cookie stamps in the freezer to chill.

Cream together the butter, sugar, and molasses in a stand mixer (or with electric beaters).

Beat in the egg yolk.

Sift together the dry ingredients in medium size bowl.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating on low until the dough comes together and begins to pull away from the bowl. If dough is sticky add a little more flour.

NOTE: My dough was still pretty sticky even after adding more flour but I proceeded to the next step and it turned out fine.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until all the flour is incorporated. Flatten the dough into a disk. If dough is soft, wrap and chill in refrigerator for about an hour.

NOTE: On my first attempt, my dough felt really good but tended to get a little sticky while working with it and also spread too much during baking process. So, I chose to chill my dough. PS - I also live in Florida and we have high levels of humidity and heat which can also effect the baking results.

Roll dough into golf ball size balls.

Roll dough balls in small bowl of granulated sugar and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat.

Press a chilled cookie stamp firmly and evenly into a dough ball until you see the dough start to peek out from all of the edges of the cookie stamp. Lift stamp.(if it sticks, slowly peel dough from stamp to maintain shape and then dip stamp in flour for remaining cookies).

TIP 1: I had no problem with sticking as long as I kept the cookie stamps in the freezer while not in use.

TIP 2: For an even press/cookie, I chose to press down on the round part of the cookie stamp with my fingers instead of just using the handle.

TIP 3: Use a round cookie cutter a tad smaller than the stamp itself to cut out the cookies leaving nice finished edges. This is my favorite set of round cookie cutters!

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cookies will be soft when you remove them from the oven, but will firm upon cooling.

While the cookies are baking make the glaze.
Using a whisk, combine ingredients together until they become smooth. Add more water if necessary until the glaze resembles a thin honey.

Place the baked cookies on a cooling rack and after about 10 minutes, brush them with the glaze while still slightly warm. The glaze will harden within about 30 minutes.

NOTE: Dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking . Baked cookies can be stored in airtight container for up to 5 days.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Stamped Gingerbread Cookie Ingredients

Gingerbread Dough rolled into golf ball sized dough balls and then rolled in granulated sugar

Pressing the cookie stamp into the Gingerbread Dough Ball

A perfectly stamped Gingerbread Cookie

Time to use a round cookie cutter to remove the rough edges of the stamped cookie

Round cookie cutter should be slightly smaller than the stamped design to create a clean edge.

Stamped and cut cookies ready for baking

Beautiful stamped, baked and glazed Gingerbread cookies - ready for gifting and eating

Sure hope you loved the recipe and quick tutorial.

They are such pretty cookies and they taste delicious too.

I sure do love you my friends!!

Stay tuned for my "Word of the Year" announcement coming tomorrow!!

xoxo,

Jess

PS - You'll find me on Instagram sharing tips, fun finds, current projects, daily inspiration and so much more to keep us connected + cozy in-between blog posts! 

Oh! And If you’d like new posts delivered to your inbox - subscribe here!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

As silly as I feel for finally posting these at the end of January...

a promise is a promise. Am I right? 

Now go ahead and pin this for next cookie baking season!! *grin*

RECIPE + GIFT IDEA | White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Delicious + festive cookies with white chocolate + red cranberries!?

Can you think of a cookie more perfect for baking + gifting during the Christmas season?

I love these cookies.

They're quite delicious...the recipe is no-fuss AND they're pretty. Win!!

Here's the recipe if you decide you love these too + want to try them....

If you need gifting ideas...well here you go:
1. bake the cookies and package them up.
2. bake the cookies, package them up AND give them the recipe on a cute recipe card.
Oh wait! You don't have a cute recipe card?
Well Merry Christmas!!
I've taken care of that for you.
AND...you see those cute labels on the cookie tins? (white background + black background)?
Yep! I've got those for you to print too - if you want them + need them. (all links below)

WHITE CHOCOLATE + CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIE FREE PRINTABLES:

White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookie RECIPE CARD

White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies GIFT TAGS - white background

White Chocolate + Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies GIFT TAGS - black background

I hope you try them.
I hope you love them.
And I hope you'll let me know if you do.

Love you guys!
4 more sleeps until Christmas!!! Are you ready?

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I still have wrapping to do.
And you should see the state of our home right now. Eeks!
BUT...this is the most calm I've been through the holidays in a very long time.
And I'm liking it. A LOT!!!

GIFT IDEA | Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Gift Package

Good morning friends!!
Looking for a last minute cutesy, thoughtful gift?
Well...I figured out how to package up my Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa you guys!!
I packaged it up in a glass jar, added a bag of marshmallows and a tiny bottle of cinnamon sugar.

The lucky person on the receiving end of this gift will just need to add hot water + whipped cream!
And...there are enough servings to enjoy 4 mugs making it perfect for gifting it to a person or a small family. Yes!!

Plus, I created some super cute labels to make the package delightful + charming! 
Tip: I rounded my corners on my label using a corner rounding craft punch - like this one.

So...here's the recipe + the how-to on packaging it up.

Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix - makes one gift package

1 cup of White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - use my homemade recipe or this one from Ghirardelli
2 heaping TBSP brown sugar
1 heaping tsp. ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together by hand or using a food processor.
Fill a 10oz. jar with your Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix.
Fill a tiny jar with cinnamon sugar - use my perfect cinnamon sugar recipe
Bag up some marshmallows.
Print out your FREE Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix Labels.
Secure to jars using double-stick tape.
Package in a cute basket or slip inside a clear cello bag and tie with a ribbon + cinnamon sticks.
(I put my marshmallows in a separate cello, tied them shut and then placed them on top of glass jar - see below. These hard bottomed cello bags are perfect for gifts like this).

I hope you LOVE and USE the idea!!
It's fun to put together - and it's sooooo cute.
Plus...it's soooo delicious.

xoxo,
Jess

SOURCES:
FREE Snickerdoodle Hot Cocoa Mix packaging labels
10oz. glass jars - Hobby Lobby
mini jars with corks - Hobby Lobby
Cello bags with circle bottoms
White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - homemade recipe
White Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix - store bought

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Only 5 days until Christmas! Eeks!
I wasn't freaking out about it until today.
I've got presents to wrap and things to wrap up and yet I can't wrap my head around the fact Christmas is almost here. *wink*

GIFT IDEA | Graduation Gift Basket Ideas :: Tuesday Morning

Hello friends!! I'm sharing some fun "gift basket ideas" for graduates over on Tuesday Morning today! I hope you'll pop over there to see what I put together using some fabulous finds from my local Tuesday Morning store.

Can you guess the theme of the gift basket I created using the fragrance sachets you see below?

This one might be my favorite because of the awesome crate I used to hold everything. (and the adorable scalloped tissue paper I used to hide the gifts inside is just too cute).   

Head on over to the Tuesday Morning Blog to see the full post and to find out what's inside this trendy wooden crate.

I hope you're inspired to step into your local Tuesday Morning location to find the perfect gift for any and all of the graduates on your list. I love shopping there!! How about you?

xoxo,
Jessica

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THIS IS A SPONSORED POST BY TUESDAY MORNING STORES.

PEN + PAPER FLOWERS HAS RECEIVED COMPENSATION AND/OR PRODUCTS 

IN EXCHANGE FOR CREATING CONTENT AND SHARING PRODUCTS.
  AS ALWAYS, FRIENDS + READERS, I ONLY WORK WITH BRANDS 
AND SHARE CONTENT I'M INSPIRED BY AND FEEL WILL INSPIRE YOU TOO!

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KEEPiNG iT REAL
I could spend hours in Tuesday Morning you guys...and still not see everything.
Did I ever tell you the story about how I once dragged my kids to Tuesday Morning - super early, before school, just to take advantage of a special early bird sale they were having? I'd been eyeing a pretty coat rack so I managed to be there when the doors opened, loaded the coat rack into the car and still got the kids to school on time.  Yes!!

P.S. I still have the coat rack. *wink*

FREE | Valentine's Day Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar Wrappers

Introducing the cutest Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar labels...just in time for Valentine's Day!!
These charming labels are the perfect way to say I love you. (or even "I Like You) to everyone in your life. (kids, co-workers, friends, teachers, and of course, your beau).

Ghirardelli has a fun selection of chocolate bar flavors to choose from - and two sizes. (Small gold bar on the left, large gold bar on the right). And the labels fit BOTH sizes! Hello!! Bonus!!

And check out the gold foil wrapper! It's perfection.

Here's a closer peek at the smaller bar...

And a closer peek at the larger bar...

Just print off the labels...trim to size with a cute pair of gold scissors (totally optional)
and secure with some totally cute gold glitter washi tape (or any of these) on the back!! So easy!

TIP: If you want more of the gold to show - just trim a little more off the top and bottom of the label.
(see the difference between the "hearts" label and the "Love You More Than" label).

The "Love You More Than Chocolate..but ummm yeah, can we share this?" label is my favorite.
Because...well...you know it's the truth! *wink*

Here are the links to download the FREE LABELS:
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar HEARTS label
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar LOVE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE label
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar BUT UMM...CAN WE SHARE THIS label

If you are an email subscriber, you'll also be receiving the BONUS labels:
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar - LIKE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar OUR STORY IS MY FAVORITE LOVE STORY - a Pen + Paper Flowers original quote - please do not copy!
Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar LOVE YOU MORE THAN CHOCOLATE
with these additional funny phrases:
        1. but don't get crazy and not share this with me
        2. did you know sharing is a true sign of love?

If you want these EXTRA labels too, you still have time to SIGN UP! Emails go out later tonight!!

Otherwise, I hope you love the three FREE downloads!

I hope you are as smitten with these adorable labels as I am!!
Use them! You still have plenty of time!!

Did you miss the TWO BONUS BLOG POSTS with MORE FREE PRINTABLE from earlier today?
Teachers Who Love Teaching - today only download
You Color My World Valentine

Love you my friends!
Thanks for being here today for the marathon of blog posts and free printables!

xoxo...
Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I may or may not have had to run to CVS (three different times) to replenish my supply of candy bars to be able to photograph them for this photo shoot.