Merry Christmas!

     Think of the worst thing you've heard on the news lately.  How do you feel about those people who committed the atrocity you heard?  Now think of the worst place you know of...the most ugly, murderous, crime ridden place. Got that picture in your mind?
     Good.  Now how do you feel about that place?  I'm sure it's not on your list as your next vacation spot.  You probably are repulsed by the thought of visiting there, much less making that place your home.
     But that is just what God did.  He chose to send His only perfect, holy Son to come to this sin ridden earth full of sinful people to live among us and to be murdered brutally by wicked people.
     Why?  Because of His great love for us and ultimately for His glory!  I cannot begin to imagine that kind of love!  Love that would choose to die for wicked murderous people.  
     This Christmas, bask in the beauty of the Christ Child, reflect on the glorious love of the sinless God-man Jesus who died in your place and took the punishment you deserved,  and rejoice in the salvation offered by the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, our Immanuel!

Merry Christmas! 

The Art of Giving Thanks

http://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/autumn-tablescape-free-printable-placemat/

     I saw an advertisement recently for a company that sells a lot of home decorations.  In it they called Thanksgiving "Friendgiving and Family Day".  Seriously?  Friendgiving? I think celebrating with friends and family is great. But is it really that difficult to admit to having a grateful attitude? 

     I know that for a number of years now "Thanksgiving" has been replaced by "Turkey Day" and football parties.   However, I encourage you to know the history of Thanksgiving and to develop gratitude in yourself and your family and friends.  

     One of my favorite, easy ways to do this is to go to the library and check out a couple of books about the first Thanksgiving from the children's section. They're short reads so they keep everyone's attention!
      This year I'm going to do something similar to the place mats shown above at our Thanksgiving table. After everyone has had a chance to jot down their thoughts,  we will go around and share what we are thankful for.  

     Our culture is increasingly becoming centered around our individual wants and getting instant gratification.  I think we would do well to stop for a moment and reflect on the blessings that have been given to us.              
   So what's on my list?   First, I am SO very thankful for the salvation granted to me by God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ! :) Next of course, I'm so thankful for my family and friends! :) And then all of the other blessings I enjoy: health,  home, clothes, and my appliances!   (Just imagine life as the Pilgrims knew it... without washers and driers, dishwashers, refrigerators, electricity, and running water.... we are truly blessed!)

     So, while we will have turkey and most likely football (there are certain people in my family who might have a withdrawal without a regular dose of football :))  we're also going to take a few minutes just to be thankful! :)
      If you have a tradition that helps keep the gratitude going, I'd love to hear! Just leave me a comment below. :)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! 

Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas

Thanksgiving is only 17 days away!  I know lots of families get together to share a special meal and think about the many blessings God has so graciously given us.  Mine is no different!  This year I am so privileged to host Thanksgiving. However,  I also have many other things that are vying for my time.  So...17 days?? What to do?  So much decorating, so little time!  Answer: Pinterest.  What a great source for ideas!  Here are a few of my favorite SIMPLE ideas:  (Remember KISS...Keep It Simple Sweetie!) 
#1  - See picture above  - -  Popcorn, candle, raffia - done!
#2 -

How cute is this! 
These little guys are still
 available at your grocery store
if you don't already have some!
Shopping list:
gourds, mini pumpkins, tea lights
Done! :)




#3 -

This might have to be my favorite.
  Love, love, loving the white mini pumpkins
with the pine cones and twigs....
 I'll have to see if I can find a cool hurricane vase!

 Trip to Goodwill anyone? :)





#4 -

Apples smell yummy 
and are a good alternative to pumpkins. 
I think it would be fun with red apples too!






#5 -

White pumpkins again!  So gorgeous!
  I have a friend who has a wooden box....
Maybe I can sweet talk her into letting me borrow it? ;-)








Uh oh!  Now so many choices!!!! So little time!  :)
Hope your creative juices are flowing!  I'd love to hear your plans for decorating your table!

Cinnamon Salt Dough Leaf Prints

What is your favorite fragrance? I love anything that has a woodsy, spicy smell! This time of year pumpkin spice is a popular fragrance!  The main ingredient in pumpkin spice is cinnamon.   A very pleasant autumnal scent.
     I have discovered a salt dough recipe with that beautiful cinnamon aroma! I love salt dough and so do my kids!  It's moldable, and versatile. I love it for making ornaments, my kids love it as a clay substitute!
    We're planning on making some pressed leaf ornaments for fall.  These would be great hanging on the Christmas tree as well.  (I'm thinking nice handmade gift for grandparents, teachers, etc!)
     Here's the recipe:
1 Cup of flour
1/2 Cup of salt
1/2 Cup if cinnamon
3/4 Cup very warm water
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.  Wash hands and then finish kneading with clean, dry hands.  If the dough is a little sticky dust your hands with a bit of flour and knead.   Amazingly cinnamon scented salt dough!
       For a good tutorial on making leaf print ornaments click here.
For other scent ideas click here.
I'd love to hear from you!  Please leave a comment and tell me what you made!

Mug Cakes

  

  Hi! No, I haven't disappeared into the frozen tundra of the North, but it has been a while!  I got kinda busy with the rest of summer, and then school started, and .....  well I could continue, but I won't bore you with the details.  I have come to a decision though.  Originally I thought I would try to post three times a week.  But the business of my life has caused me to reevaluate that.  So I will try to post once a week.  I think that will be a little more manageable for now.


     Today's post is a recipe I found today.  It is so delicious, but a little dangerous because it's so easy.  You'll see what I mean in a minute,  but first...
      I have to justify my reason for posting recipes on a blog supposedly dedicated to crafting.  Cooking and baking are ART forms.  Ask any chef (professional or otherwise), I'm sure they'll agree!  So when I find a good one, I love to pass it on.  Food is just something that brings people together.  I bet if I asked you what your favorite childhood memory was, it would include food in some form or another.  Many families (including mine) eat certain foods on certain occasions.  I mean what's Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie?

Chocolate Mug Cake (Image from Table for Two)

     Have you every heard of a Mug Cake?  I hadn't until today.  But what a fabulous (and dangerous) :-) idea!This recipe is from "Table for Two".  I tried it today.  My kids saw it and I made each of them one.  Still faster than baking a regular cake.  It was taste tested and approved by all.  Here's the link to the recipe. The Moistest Chocolate Mug Cake Since it's apple season,  I'm also going to try her Salted Caramel Apple Spice Mug Cake!

Salted Caramel Apple Spice Mug Cake (Image from Table for Two)

I hope you enjoy these recipes!  I'd love to hear from you!  If you have a favorite mug cake please share!!

4th of July Craft

Picture from www.happyhooligans

 The fourth of July weekend is quickly approaching!  I thought this was a great craft idea! I spotted it on Pinterest.  It would be a great project for the whole family! The complete directions are found here. This could be easily adapted to Christmas decorations.  (Christmas in July, anyone?) 

Go on a hike, find some sticks, break out the paint and have fun! :)

Happy crafting!

Mmm....Monday - Granola

Pictured granola is made with Grape Nuts, Corn Chex, and dried apples.

Happy Monday and last day of June! :)
Today I'm going to share with you my recipe for granola!  I usually put off making it,  and I don't know why, because it's easy to make and really yummy.  The best part is you can get really creative and make the recipe to your own taste! It's super adaptable!  So here goes!

HEATHER'S GRANOLA

6 cups Old Fashioned oats

1 cup cracked wheat (or your choice of substitute)

1 cup nuts (whatever is preferred)

2/3 cup honey (may substitute with karo syrup, or maple syrup)

1/3 cup brown sugar (may be omitted,  we like ours a little sweeter)

3/4 cup orange juice

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 cups coconut

Mix oats, cracked wheat, nuts, and coconut in large bowl. Mix honey, brown sugar, and orange juice in pan.  Heat until just boiling,stirring occasionally.  Add cinnamon to pan and stir.  Pour over dry ingredients and mix well until evenly coated.  Spread on cookie sheets and bake in 325° oven for 20 minutes,  stirring every 5 minutes. Granola should be a nice golden brown.  Let cool and store in airtight container.   Serving size is a 1/2 cup.  Makes lots! May be frozen.
Good on yogurt!
Some other ideas on things to add...sunflower seeds,  grape nuts, rice crispies, dried fruits...
Leave me a comment on how you got creative with your granola! 

Mmm.......Monday - Crock Pot Goulash

Summer is officially here! I am enjoying the warmer weather after freezing all winter, but sometimes it gets a little too warm in the house, especially as we do not have our central air installed.  So I'm trying to find ways to make meals without turning on the oven. Normally I would cook on the grill, but it is currently in need of repair.
Enter the crock pot! I put it outside on our front patio, and it cooks all day without heating up the house!
    Today I made Goulash.  Here's the recipe:
1 lb ground beef, cooked
2 - 24 oz cans of pasta sauce
Parsley, dried onion, garlic, salt, and pepper
(Add to taste - I never measure) :)
2 1/2 cups farfalle, uncooked (bow tie noodles)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Combine all ingredients in crock pot.  Stir to mix well. Sprinkle top with additional shredded cheddar.
Cook on low 4 - 5 hours.
Enjoy!  :)

Feature Friday - Pan Handle

 

 Today's feature is a brand new item in my store.  I made these after talking to a gal at my kid's swimming lessons!  It's a pan handle holder.  What a great idea!  Thanks Janene!  No more trying to remember where you set down your pot holder!  It stays right on the handle!  Especially cast iron!  I have a few regular pans whose handles heat up, and this will be great when having to strain veggies or drain meat! You can find these handy dandy holders here.  I would love to make them to match your kitchen.       Makes a great gift for a friend as well!
      Happy Friday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Iced Coffee

I so love coffee!  But when it gets hot out....not so much.  Then I discovered iced coffee.  I'm probably not sharing anything totally new.  There's lots of recipes out there for iced coffees.  There's even one out there for "Just-Like-Dairy-Queen-Moolatte"! YUM!!!
But I usually don't want the ice cream - too many calories. Okay, okay... I want it, I just shouldn't have it that often! :) So.... I have I have my own version of the frappes, and iced coffees.
It's super easy and quick. I take my glass and fill it with crushed ice, then I add my favorite flavored creamer, then poor some strong coffee over it.  The best thing is since my glass is full of ice, I can pour the coffee in right after it's brewed.  No need to wait for it to cool!
It can also be made with milk and carmel or chocolate syrup, (or use one of the flavored coffee syrups that are available - Raspberry, anyone?).  You can customize it to your own little taste buds - sweeter or more coffee flavor - it's up to you! :)  Enjoy today sipping on your own iced coffee creation!

Feature Friday

I know it's late!  My busy summer schedule has begun, ready or not! (Mostly not.)
I'm still having fun though! Today's feature is my Baby Blue Beach Bums! I love making these adorable little sandals.  The soles are made from two layers of crochet.   They are quite sturdy.  The sandals are made for babies size 0 - 3 months.  There is a button on the side to connect the heal strap and keep them securely on baby's feet.
I have a pair in blue and 2 pairs in pink available  here (blue) and  here  (pink).  I would love to make them in custom colors!  Great for a baby shower gift!
Thanks for stopping by!  :) Have a great weekend!

Mmm.....Monday - Trifles

Howdy! I can't believe it's been two weeks since my last post!  I was on vacation (much needed and very relaxing), and then you know how it is, it takes a week to get back into routine after! :)
For today's post, I thought I would share this trifle! Doesn't it just shout "summer"!!!!!
Yum!
I'm going grocery shopping later today, so I think I'll round up the ingredients and surprise my family!
You can find all you need to make this desert at http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/strawberry-angel-trifle
Leave a comment and let me know what your favorite trifle recipe is! :)

Feature Friday - Turtle Magnet

     Here's a happy little friend for your fridge!  This little guy is so so fun to make!  I came up with the pattern after a special request from a customer at last summer's craft fair.  The magnet is the same type as my chicken magnet.  They can securely hold five pieces of paper without slipping.
     Here's one interesting fact about turtles: in some breeds, the temperature the eggs are exposed to determines whether the turtles will be boys or girls!
     Check out these magnet turtles at my shop.
       Happy Friday!  Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!  :)

Cute Chair Decor

     I love looking through decorating ideas!  I stumbled across this one today while waiting for some work on my car to get done.
     On our family's birthdays, I decorate the honored person's chair with balloons.   I have to say, I like this idea too! It's simple and clean.  It would be a great way to decorate for a special dinner or holiday too! I found it on http://www.karaspartyideas.com/2013/05/spring-cookie-decorating-party.html.
     Have a great day!  Thanks for stopping by! :)

Mason Jar Lantern

I have a "thing" for Mason jars! Just ask my family! This one is my latest find! The glass top is still intact! I found it garage sale shopping with my husband!  (A great date, if you ask me !)
Mason jars lend themselves to so many uses! Just Google "mason jars" once and click on images to see what I mean! I love them because they remind me of simplicity and frugality! :)

  I got this Mason jar project (pictured above) in my inbox today. Aren't they pretty?  I've seen this before and have always wanted to do it.   My only problem is, I have no deck or place to hang them. But I won't let that stop me! I've been looking for something that sparkles to catch people's eye at my craft fair this summer.  I think this will do the trick! Maybe I can find mosquito repellent candles to put in! :)  (Anybody know where I can find some of those?)  Here's the link to the one that was in my inbox: Mason Jar Lantern.  There are many others out there too, but this one is good and basic to get you started! Happy crafting!

Monday's Reflections

     Happy Monday!   I like Mondays.  They are a fresh new beginning to a brand new week with lots of potential!  Saturday we went to a wedding!   I had to share these photos.   I thought these were simple but elegant ideas!
     First, I love the table set up for the wedding party! White tablecloth,  white lights under white tule, flickering candles, and fresh flowers.  Gorgeous!
     Second, the cupcake tree! I love the shading of the cupcake wraps! And on top, the cake for the bride and groom!  Very clever display! (They were very yummy too!) :)
    Congrats David and Daydra! :)

Feature Friday - Wispy Willow Booties

Yay!  We made it to Friday!  Today's feature is my Wispy Willow Baby Booties.  They are crocheted from acrylic yarn with eyelash yarn in the bottom of the cuff.  They fit babies tootsies that are 0-3 months. :)
Contrasting brown soles complement the wispy cuff.  I love these in white, but they would look adorable in yellow or pink or... you choose! You can order a pair by clicking here. If you want something other than white please let me know.   These would make the perfect baby gift! They would be cute as an ornament or as a decoration to commemorate baby's first accomplishments!
I love making them!
Thanks for stopping by! :)

Now Online!!

Did you know that you can now shop online at Michaels?  It's one of my favorite stores! I could spend hours there,  although I usually have a schedule to keep which prevents that. :) I've often wished I could go online,  even if it's just to look to see if they carry a particular product!  Right now if you do order online you can get 25% off your order.
Click here to visit the website.
(I am sharing this info by my own choice.  I am not being compensated by Michaels to do so.)

Hummingbird Syrup and Ramblings

     I love hummingbirds! Their tiny features are so stinkin' adorable!  My husband spotted one yesterday, so it's time to get the feeders out!  I make my own syrup, and I'll share the recipe in a bit. ... But first, some wild ramblings!
     Call me crazy, but sometimes I notice the weirdest things!  For instance, have you ever noticed how when you are stirring the sugar in the water to dissolve it, that the pitch changes as you stir?  I have. ( I know, super crazy.) If I ever go blind, I'll still be able to tell when my sugar is dissolved. :) So, I always wondered why it happens.   Well, I found out yesterday! I'll attempt to explain it without boring you to pieces!  I think it's cool, and you know,  it's the little things!
Sound waves travel through air, liquids, and solids. They travel the fastest through solids and the slowest through air.  So when you stir the sugar  solution, it is mostly liquid, but as the sugar (a solid) dissolves, the solution becomes more saturated with the sugar molecules, and as a result is more dense than it was before the sugar dissolved. (More solid like.)  So as you stir, the pitch changes because the density changes and the speed of sound changes.  Cool, huh?
OK, enough of that!  Here's my recipe for hummingbird syrup: 1/4 cup of sugar dissolved in one cup of water. Don't add any food coloring.  After the sugar has been dissolved,  boil in a microwave safe bowl or on the stove.   Cool to room temp before filling your feeder.  Store any extra syrup in the fridge for up to one week.  Clean feeders weekly and replace the syrup.  Hummingbirds like it clean and will not drink from moldy or bug ridden syrup.
I sometimes put in 1/3 cup of sugar at the beginning of the season to draw the hummers in, but after about 3 weeks or so I switch to a healthier amount of sugar.
Now, when you make your batch, notice the pitch change when you stir! Hmmm, music to my ears! :)

Mmm...Monday - Goldfish Crackers

Don't these look yummy!?  I've been wanting to try homemade crackers.  These caught my eye! To buy a 10 oz box of goldfish crackers in the store will cost you around $3.  I haven't done all the math, but a quick guesstimate puts you at $1.50 a batch! Granted, time is money, so you be the judge. But if you're looking for something fun to bake, try it with me!  I don't have a mini fish cutter, but there's a fun tutorial on how to make your own cute fishy here.  Or, if your lazy (like me), cut into small squares with your pizza cutter. I guess you couldn't really call them fish crackers then, maybe we can call them "cheesy goodness"!
Here's the link to the recipe.  http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2010/03/homemade-goldfish-crackers.html
Enjoy!  I'd love to hear if you try them.  Tell me what you think by posting a comment below! :)
Happy baking!!

Feature Friday

It's Friday!  You have no idea how much I've been looking forward to the different pace of the weekend! :) Today's feature is my wristlet/ clutch. It is fully lined with a nylon zipper closure, and a ribbon handle. The crocheted flower is a pin! It's kind of a bonus accessory because you can play with placement, or wear it on part of your wardrobe.  It could even be pinned onto a headband! Cute kitties adorn the wristlet with fun red fabric lining the inside. Use it when you don't want to carry a large purse.  It would also make a great gift!  You can check out the other details of this fun accessory here.
Have a fantastic weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

My Little Devotional Moment

     My stated goal in blogging is "to show beauty in the little things and moments of life. " Most of our lives are made up of little moments, but some little moments can have big impacts!  For example, in my morning devotions (a little thing) I read a passage from 1Chronicles.
     In Chapters 11 & 12 there is a description of the mighty men who aligned themselves with David. These were excellent warriors, strong men who had amazing skill.  Benjaminites who could "shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand." Gadites who were "mighty and experienced warriors, expert with shield and spear".  It also states that "these Gadites were officers of the army; the least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand."  Imagine being able to take on a thousand men! At the end of chapter 12 it says that these mighty men came and made David king over Israel.
     I also had read 2 Samuel 5.  These two passages are from the same period in history.  It says in verse 12 that "David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel." That is the key to my point! It wasn't that David was so great in himself, or because of the mighty warriors who were loyal to David that he became king. It was all because of THE LORD! 
     Why does that matter for me?  Well, it it this: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." (Psalm 127:1)  See, lately I have been working on getting myself organized: organizing my house by making a cleaning schedule, organizing my children (their schoolwork, helping them organize their rooms), organizing my menu, my pantry, etc... And there are many other things I would love to organize, my life (my closet), my husband's life, my children's lives, (i.e. relationships, choices, activities, etc.).... BUT, even if I had a PhD in organizing, I could end up being a failure!  See it isn't me, or my skills, or the amazing skills of others around me, it is the Lord Yahweh!  I need to depend upon Him as I seek to use the skills and resources that He has provided me to build my house for His sake.  It is for His glory!  May He be honored in the choices I make.  So a little thing like taking 10 little moments (minutes) to read my Bible can have a big impact on how I live!

Fabric Flowers

I made these flowers for Easter for my girls and I.   They were fun to make! They didn't take much fabric or time! :) I found the instructions in a book from the library by Elizabeth Searle.  All of her flowers measure about 3 inches in diameter.  That was perfect for what I wanted, but may be a little larger than wanted for headbands or other hair accessories.   I don't think it would be to hard to alter the patterns to create smaller flowers or even go larger for home decorating, such as on a wreath for your front door.  :)
One very good tip in the book was to use a more sturdy thread such as quilting thread. Also be on the lookout for buttons or other bling for flower centers!  :) I'm hoping to get more of these made and added to my shop soon! Happy Wednesday!

Mmm...Monday!

Remember that I said I'd tell you how to make your own self-rising flour?  Well today's the day!  :)
It's very easy! All you need is regular flour, salt, and baking powder.  Put 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder into a one cup measuring cup, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then fill the rest with flour to make one cup of self-rising flour.  See, easy! :) Now you know!  :) Have fun baking!

Tree Nursery

Okay, so I'm a little bit behind posting anything, and I missed doing my Feature Friday.  :( I have a good excuse though!  I was busy planting baby trees in my own little tree nursery until we can figure out where we want them all! So... Here's what I've learned about planting trees! ;-)  It's a lot of work! I bought bundles of bare root trees. I did a little research, and chose plants that were native to our area. Hopefully that will help them stay alive. :) Some sites tell you to soak them overnight, but when I picked them, up the cheat sheet specifically said NOT to soak them so I didn't! .
I dug a hole deep enough for the roots. You want to make sure that when the tree is planted it is at the right depth.  You don't want to over-bury the roots, nor do you want them exposed above ground.
Next, I watered the hole then I stuck in my adorable baby tree and held it at the right depth while adding soil to fill the whole.  I just lightly tamped the soil down with my trowel. Stepping on the dirt actually packs the soil too tightly and hinders root growth. I also learned that you should not add fertilizer  tight away, as the baby trees are pretty tender and you could end up burning the roots.  I have set up a soaker hose for easy watering. Hopefully these little baby trees make it!  Hopefully they can be transplanted to their permanent homes soon!! :)
BTW did I mention that I have 75 trees in my nursery?   Crazy, I know!! :)
Hey, it's spring, what can I say! :)

Mmmm....Monday!

I know it's late, but it's still Monday!

Today I'm going to try my hand at a baking tutorial!  Here goes nothing! 

We're going to bake some chocolate chip scones. First measure 3 cups of self rising flour (I"ll cover how to make your own in another post.) into a bowl.

 Whisk together with 2/3 cup sugar and 3 tsp. baking powder. 

 

Cut in 1/2 cup (one stick) of cold butter.

With pastry blender, mix till crumbly.

Pour in one cup of buttermilk, or sour milk until blended.

Pour in one cup of chocolate chips.

Mix until blended.  your dough will clump together and be kind of sticky. Like this:

Place on floured mat and knead 8-10 times.

Cut into squares, triangles or quadrilaterals like this: (Yep, been helping my son with Geometry) :)

Bake in preheated oven.  450 degrees for 5 min.  I like to do one sheet at a time. 

 Place right in the center of your oven. 

Here's how they looked before baking:

Here's how they look after:  Nice and puffy.  They don't really brown much on top.  Be careful of this.  It can deceive you into thinking they aren't done, but the bottoms will burn.  Perfect, just like this! Notice the one turned over in the front so you can see how much the bottoms brown compared to the tops.

Next, the glaze:  Mix in a large mug or small bowl: one cup powdered sugar and one teaspoon vanilla. Mix.  Add one Tablespoon of water add a time, up to 3 Tbls.  Mix after each addition. You want it to be thick but runny.

Here are my finished scones with the glaze on top!  Glazing is kind of messy, it helps to put wax paper or something down to catch the drips, then you can roll it up and throw away the mess! :)

 

These disappear pretty quickly around here.  Here's the recipe in a nutshell:

 Chocolate Chip Scones:

Preheat oven to 450.
3 cups self-rising flour
2/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup cold butter
Combine first three ingredients and cut in butter until crumbly.
Add 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk and 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Turn dough and knead 8-10 times.  Roll out in a circle and cut. 
Bake for 5 min.
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-3 Tbls. water

Enjoy!!  :)

It's Friday!  :) Today's feature is my large-sized message board!   It's larger size would make it useful for writing the week's menu, a shopping list or a to do list...., etc! It is constructed from oak plywood, painted with chalkboard paint.  Embellished with fun paper, an inspiring message,  flowers, and ribbon.  The hanger is colored wire. This board would make a unique gift for Mother's Day, a birthday,  or a wedding gift for a special couple!  You can find it for sale in my shop here.  Browse around while you're there!  I have smaller message boards available as well! I hope you have a super great day!  Thanks for stopping by!

Throw Pillow

 Well, I finally finished my throw pillow!  I love how it turned out!  I was thinking of putting a zipper in it.... maybe someday I'll pop the seam and put one in, but for now.... it's a nice splash of color in my living room!  :)

As you can see, I got lazy and made my scrappy flower from ribbon.   It looked a little lonely, so I whipped up some friends for it! :)  I can't decided which one I like the best!  Happy Thursday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Mmmm...Monday

From this.....

...to this!

Who doesn't love the taste of fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies?   Here's my little trick for always having fresh cookies.  Shape into balls and freeze on a cookie sheet. After they are frozen, ( I usually leave mine overnight), transfer to a container or freezer bag and bake as needed.  This trick works well for cookies with stiff dough.  I do this frequently with my chocolate chip cookies and my snickerdoodles. Also a great way to double, triple the recipe.... less work over time.  You will always have a delicious snack/dessert ready for unexpected guests!
Keep your oven temp the same and bake for only one to two minutes longer than the original recipe.
They always taste wonderfully fresh! Glass of milk anyone?