Disclaimer

I created this blog so I would have somewhere to journal and share the things I make and do. I try not to steal other's ideas. Some of what I make I have seen in homes or in stores. Or I make a spin-off of something I have seen elsewhere. I will always try to give the proper credit where it is due.
~Mary

Monday, November 30, 2009

Last name blocks

Okay, I saw these here, hers look much better than mine. And since it was her idea please go to her blog to see directions on how to make them. We've had three weddings the last two weeks, so I made some up.


They are so easy, I think I'll make some for Christmas gifts as well!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thanksgiving Turkeys for Pre-Schoolers

This last week, my daughter had a turn to bring a snack to pre-school. At first, I thought about making Navajo Fry Bread, because they had been learning about the Indians and pilgrims. And my husband is half Navajo, so I have his mom's recipe for fry bread. But then I saw these cute turkeys on a blog somewhere, and I thought I had to make them! Aren't they cute! Okay, some look a little deranged, but it was my first time making something like this!
I made them using oreo cookies, candy corn, Reese's Peanut butter cups, Whoppers and of course, frosting to hold them all together!
I asked my husband if they looked okay. If he thought the kids would like them. He said," They're pre-schoolers, all they're gonna see is sugar." He's right! They aren't going to care what they look like. It's all yummy goodies!




Snow Dusted Pumpkins

Okay, these look ALOT better in person! They look like I missed spots in the pictures, but they really are beautiful! They look like snow has fallen on them and are all glittery!

I hosted a 'Cents of Style' party the other day. This was my refreshments table. The Pumpkins looked so good on the table!
All I did was 'paint' some craft glue on my mini pumpkins and then dusted on some white glitter. Honestly, they sparkle and look so pretty in real life! You'll have to try it to see!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Countdown to Christmas Blocks

Alright, I already showed you how to make a 'Spooky Countdown' block set for Halloween here. Here is my Christmas Countdown set.
This first one is for me...

I made this one for my friend Stephanie at http://mycreativebug.blogspot.com/

I almost want to keep it for myself, it's so cute! Hope you like it Stephanie!




Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Thankful Block

Here's a Thankful block I made...

I just painted a block of wood brown, mod podged some paper on it, then added some vinyl lettering. Fast and easy!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Frosting




I found this recipe on here, She found the recipe on Good Things Utah. I knew I had to try these!
I was going to take a picture to tempt you to make some of your own, but.... My hubbie had the camera, once again, and he was off hunting.
Honestly, I think it's time we each got our own cameras!
But trust me, these rolls are sooooo yummy! You have to try them!
The only thing I did different was make 1 1/2 times the frosting recipe. Because I LOVE frosting on my cinnamon rolls!



Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Frosting!



Ingredients:



2 T. yeast

1/2c. warm milk

1/2 c. canned pumpkin

2/3 c. sugar

½ t. salt

1 egg, beaten

¼ c. melted, butter

1/4 t. ground cloves

1 t. cinnamon

4-5 c. bread flour

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed (On top of rolled out dough)

2 T. cinnamon (On top of rolled out dough)

2 T. melted butter(On top of rolled out dough)





Method: Dissolve yeast in warm milk. Wait 5 minutes. Add pumpkin, egg, sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon and cloves and mix well. Slowly add flour one cup at a time. Scrape down sides of bowl after each addition of flour. Turn into lightly greased bowl, cover and set in warm place until double in bulk. Punch down dough and let rest for 5 more minutes. Roll dough out into a rectangle.Brush dough with melted butter. Sprinkle the dough with sugar and cinnamon mixture. Starting with long side of dough, roll up jellyroll style. Pinch seams to seal. With sharp serrated knife cut roll into 12 1 in. pieces.{ I actually use some floss or thread to cut thru the dough. Much easier!} Place rolls, cut side up in greased 9x13 pan. Cover and let rise until double, 30 to 45 minutes.Bake rolls at 350 degrees about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Drizzle with caramel frosting as soon as they come out of the oven. Let cool until warm, add the rest of the frosting. Enjoy!



Caramel Frosting



¼ c. butter

½ c. brown sugar, packed

2 T. milk

¼ t. vanilla

Pinch of salt

½ c. to ¾ c. sifted powder sugar



In a small saucepan, heat butter until melted. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Cook over med. Low heat 1 minute. Transfer to small bowl and cool mixture. Stir in vanilla, salt, and powder sugar. Beat with Electric mixer until well blended. If necessary, add more sugar for desired consistency.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Super Hero Cape

For my daughter's fourth birthday I wanted to get her a super hero cape, since she is always running around with a blanket or something tied around her neck. I was going to make it myself, but...sewing really brings out the worst in me. I, in no way, find it relaxing or enjoyable. Yes, I can sew. But I try to do as little as possible!
A friend of mine, Jill, loves to sew! She has her own business, http://jillscraftycovers.blogspot.com/ and she just started selling super hero capes. So I asked her if she would make a double-sided one for my daughter. I changed my mind about a dozen times with how I wanted it to look. But I finally made a decision and she had it made and in the mail before the week was over! And it turned out perfect!
On one side I asked her to do the CTR symbol.{CTR= Choose The Right}

Here's the other side, My daughters first initial~ Jill also makes hooded towels, nursing covers, and toy mats. Perfect gifts for Christmas, Birthdays, Baby showers, etc. And I think her prices are great! So go check her out at http://jillscraftycovers.blogspot.com/ and tell her Mary sent you!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Thanksgiving Stacker

Well, here's my Thanksgiving stacker. I think I might make another one that's more about being grateful, or something. But this works for now!
You wanna know what's real thrifty about this? I did it on the back of my Autumn stacker. So now I have something on both sides, and I just turn it around for the two different seasons/holidays. Does that make sense?
A cinch to make! I cut and sanded a 2x2 into three different blocks. The bottom measures 10 1/2 inches across, the top is 7 1/2 inches across. I painted them, then sanded the edges. Then I just added some vinyl lettering! Easy!
I can't wait for Thanksgiving...A Holiday where you can stuff your face with good food and nobody judges you because they are doing the same thing!