Champagne Flutes

So as it's getting closer to New Years Eve, I decided to decorate some champagne flutes! It was simple and easy and a cute way to decorate for a party. I used my silver paint marker to write "2011" on the front. (so weird!) And I twisted some silver star wired tinsel around the bottom. Once you pour the champagne in the glass, you can add some frozen strawberries or raspberries to add some color! I hope you enjoy these flutes and I'll see you back here tomorrow for my last project!

Christmas Sugar Cookies

So I know it's not Christmas anymore, but I was going to make my brother these cookies for a part of his present, but I forgot! So I made them tonight. Also, I have been so busy, I didn't post anything last night! So sorry! For the cookies I just used a Betty Crocker sugar recipe and then for the icing I used powdered sugar and water and food coloring. I used red, green and white sprinkles on top and then let them sit. It was so simple, anyone can make these cookies!

Snow Globes

So sorry I didn't post anything last night. I had a ton of things to do and I didn't get a project done! I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I had seen tonight's project when I first started making my blog, but I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I decided to do it tonight and it looks really cute! I took a jar (you can use any type of jar, pimento, pickle, baby food, etc.) and filled it with water. I glued an old/broken ornament to the bottom of the jar and then added the glitter and snowflakes. I added a green bow on the top because my jar was tall and the ornament was tiny! You can add any type of decorations on the outside like bows, dates, names, etc. I hope you enjoy!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!

Pretzel Salad

So I'm not really sure why this is called pretzel salad because it's not a salad... But it doesn't matter because it is really good! I made this for our Christmas lunch and I had to take a picture of it quick because it was going fast. It's very good and simple to make. Here's the recipe!

Crust:
1 cup crushed pretzels
1 cup broken pecans
3 tablespoons of sugar
1 stick of butter

Melt butter, mix with pretzels, sugar and pecans. Pat in bottom of pan, bake 10 minutes at 350. Take out and let it cool.

Middle white layer:
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. cool whip
1 cup powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese, cool whip and powdered sugar together. Spread on top of pretzel crust. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Strawberry top layer:
1 large box of strawberry jello
16 oz. frozen sliced strawberries
2 cups of boiling water

Dissolve jello in boiling water and add frozen strawberries. Stir until jello begins to thicken and strawberries begin to thaw and separate. Pour over middle white layer and refrigerate for 2 hours. Cover with cool whip if desired!

It's so easy and tastes so good, it's the greatest recipe for a last minute dessert idea!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Fruit and Cheese Tray

Tonight we spent time with my family for Christmas eve. We needed to bring some fruit and cheese and I decided to get creative with it. I used 4 different types of cheese (cheddar, gouda, colby, and pepperjack) and cut them with Christmas cookie cutters. The cheese looks so cute and I laid it around the edge of the tray. I put green grapes and strawberries in the middle and because it's red and green it looks so festive! I hope you find this helpful!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!

Last Minute Gift Idea

So in case anyone else is in need of a last minute gift idea, this one is cheap and so easy to make. Plus it looks super cute! What you will need is a cute background paper, some old photos, a picture frame, and some stick-on letters. I love this gift because it's old pictures of myself and my brother opening up Christmas presents when we were younger. It's a nice and inexpensive gifts that will make anyone smile! I hope this helps for your last minute gift ideas!

(In case you don't have any background paper, just use some wrapping paper!)

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

P.S. It is difficult to take a picture of a picture, so sorry if this isn't good!

Butterbeer

I would like to thank my friend Sameer for posting this recipe on twitter. I stole it from him and I decided to make it for my blog! I have to say that there is no alcohol in this drink! It's called butterbeer, but there isn't any actual beer in the drink. I'll post the recipe, but I would like to put some suggestions on here too. When I read the reviews for this recipe (on FoodNetwork.com ) people said that it was really sweet, a little too sweet. I have to agree and tried to change up the recipe a little. Mine was still a little too sweet but it tasted good. If you plan on serving this at a party, I would experiment with it and make sure you taste it to make sure it's drinkable! haha! I hope you enjoy this drink!!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup butterscotch topping
• 2 tablespoons whipped butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla cream soda

Directions

Combine condensed milk, butterscotch topping, and butter in a glass heatproof measuring cup. Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until butter has melted and incorporated into mixture. Meanwhile heat cream soda in another heatproof measuring cup for 1 minute 30 seconds.

Divide butterscotch mixture between 2 (10 to 12-ounce) mugs. Fill mugs with heated cream soda and stir thoroughly. Serve garnished with an old-fashioned butterscotch candy stick.

Come back tomorrow for another completed project!

Place Cards

So I have a really bad headache tonight and I almost didn't do my project. I know it's bad, but I did it anyways!! I used some scrapbook paper and then used glitter glue to make the holly. I wrote my name on it and then put it in a cinnamon stick. That was the most difficult part because the paper weighs more than the cinnamon stick does. I had to use some tape to keep it from falling forward and backward, but it looks so cute! If you need an idea on how to make place cards, I hope you remember this idea! It's cheap and easy and you can use any type of decoration you want on the cards!

(Just a reminder, make sure the glitter glue dries before you put it in the stick and set it upright. Some of my glue started dripping!)

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!!

Stocking

You have no idea how difficult it was to find a plain stocking! I didn't want a cheap looking one, and I didn't want to have to special order one. I was in Michael's craft store today and stumbled upon the last one! Thank goodness I got it because I have been wanting to do a stocking since the beginning of my blog! I had to make some adjustments because I kind of messed up, but I think it turned out really cute!  I used glitter glue and smudged it with a paper towel on the top green part. Then I glued some snowflakes to the green part and added a red ribbon near the bottom. I glued some jingle bells right under the ribbon and then added the big snowflake in the middle of the stocking. Of course you can use any type of decorations and even sew on names. I'm not quite that crafty yet so I kept mine simple! I hope you enjoy!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Christmas Sugar

I had the hardest time figuring out what I was going to make tonight. Once I figured it out, it turned out to be really cute! My parents bought some colored sugar a while back and I just mixed it together. I took some red, green, and white sugar and mixed it in a sugar bowl. It tastes just like normal sugar and this will be a great way to decorate cookies or use as a table display. I hope you like it!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!

Poinsettia Napkin Rings

Tonight's project was so easy and cute, I'm thinking of making more so I can use them for Christmas parties. I made poinsettia napkin rings with a paper towel roll, felt, and poinsettia brads (I got them from Hobby Lobby for really cheap!) I cut the paper towel roll to a size that I liked and then wrapped it with felt. I used super glue to keep the felt on the paper towel roll, and then poked a hole on the top of the ring to insert the poinsettia brad. It was so simple, I finished the project in less than 5 minutes! Of course, you can use different colored felt and a different type of decoration. I really hope you remember these napkin rings when decorating for your party!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Holiday Trail Mix

So if you hadn't already noticed, I didn't do a project yesterday. I know I should have, but I was busy spending time with my friends! Tonight I made Holiday Trail Mix. I used a smaller package of Trail Mix, a package of M&M's and some dried cranberries. I mixed it all together and put it in a cute snowflake bowl. This will be a cute snack to set out at holiday parties for guests to eat. You can make your own versions of trail mix by adding different ingredients. Some other ideas for ingredients could be nuts, raisins, cereal, or jelly beans. I hope you think of this snack when setting up for your next Christmas Party!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!

Present Decorations

Tonight's project was simple and fun. Instead of using store bought bows, just use some tulle and make your own bows. It's very simple, just like tying a shoelace, and you can add different decorations to the ribbon to spruce up your presents. I used candy canes, jingle bells, and ornaments. Any type of decoration will work though! You can even use thicker ribbon to tie the bows and hot glue some holly or other decorations to the presents.

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!

Pecan Pie

I decided to make a pecan pie tonight! It's really easy, and I'm not the greatest cook, but the finished product tastes amazing! If you would like the recipe just let me know, it's a family recipe that I don't want just floating around the internet! haha. If you decide to make the pie, please let me know how it tastes! I hope you enjoy!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Silverware Stockings

As it gets closer to Christmas, it also gets closer to Christmas lunch or dinner. This is a simple and inexpensive way to decorate your table without taking up too much room. I used two different small stockings bought at any craft store, silverware, candy canes, rosemary, and gold ribbon. The rosemary gives a subtle but fresh scent. It's nice to make a plan of how you are going to decorate on Christmas day so you don't have to worry about setting the table and cooking dinner! (I used Christmas dishes, but this will also work with solid dishes as well!) Hope you enjoy the silverware stockings!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!

Card Garland

Tonight's project can be used with some of my previous projects. I bought a snowflake garland and hung it on the mantel. I took some left over clothes pins and glued ribbon on them, then I hung the cards I previously made on the garland. This way, when you receive friends' Christmas cards, you have a place to put them! You can also hang your garland on the wall and let it fall straight. I think either one is super cute! I hope you enjoy the garland!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Christmas Candle

I totally forgot that I had to do a project tonight! Luckily I had some supplies to make this gorgeous decorative candle. I used a glass canister, a candle, and some small multicolored ornaments. This is a great idea when you're in a pinch (like I was tonight) and you have company coming for a party. I think a group of two to three would make a beautiful centerpiece. Of course, you can always use other things inside the canister like marbles, jingle bells, or peppermints. This is even a great craft to use for different holidays. During halloween and fall you can add candy corns or nuts that are still in their shells. I hope you remember this project when you're decorating for a party this holiday season!

Come back tomorrow for another completed project!

DIY Christmas Cards

Tonight's project was so much fun! I love getting people's Christmas cards in the mail, and so I thought I could make my own. Instead of spending a lot of money, I got a package of 20 Christmas cards for $4 and supplies for next to nothing at Hobby Lobby. The good thing is, is that you can decorate your own cards and make a personalized one for each recipient. After you get done decorating the cards, you can add family pictures on the inside! These are very inexpensive and super fun to make, so spend some time this holiday and make your own Christmas cards! Hope you enjoy them!

Come back tomorrow for another completed project!

Christmas Wreath

My mom really helped me with tonight's project, and I'm so thankful! I decided to decorate a plain green wreath with ornaments and a bow. Let's just say what I thought was cute and what she thought was cute were two totally different things! In the end it all worked out, but while making the wreath I will say I got frustrated a few times. I used floral wire to tie the ornaments in the wreath, and because the ornaments were plastic they kept popping off their base and falling off. It was upsetting because I would get one done and then the next one would pop off! Once I finally made the bow and hung the wreath up, everything looked really good. My hard work and frustration payed off! I hope you enjoy the wreath and are up to the challenge to make one yourself. Hopefully my next wreath will be easier to make!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

"No Humbugs Allowed" Sign

So I know I just made a sign, but I couldn't help it, this one was just too cute! It was so cheap because all you need is a sign (I got mine half off from Hobby Lobby), a paint marker, and some jingle bells. It took me a total of about 15 minutes to write and put the jingle bells on the sign. I'm thinking of putting this sign near the front door so everyone can see it when they walk in! :)

Come back tomorrow for another completed project!

Jingle Bell Headband

Headbands are so cute and they spruce up any outfit, so I thought instead of buying a headband I could just make one! I used an old headband and then bought some green ribbon to wrap around the headband. I would recommend getting AT LEAST 3 yards to fully cover the whole headband. I glued both ends of the ribbon to the headband so it would stay in place. Once I was done wrapping the headband, I used some green floral wire to string through the jingle bells. I made sure to pull the wire really tight so the bells wouldn't move when I'm wearing the headband. When I was done stringing the floral wire through the jingle bells, I wrapped the excess wire around the headband to make sure it wouldn't poke me. This was so simple to make and didn't cost me hardly anything, so I would recommend making a headband to add to your accessories! I couldn't decide between jingle bells or buttons, so I may have to make another one with buttons. You can use any color ribbons with any decorations. It's so easy! 

Check back tomorrow for another finished project!!

"Peace Love Joy" sign

I loved creating tonights project, it's so cute! If you're not into decorating for Christmas but don't want to look like a Scrooge, this is a cute and modern way to decorate for the holidays! I made this sign by using a glove, candy canes, and a small wrapped present. I positioned the glove to look like a person making a peace sign and positioned the candy canes to look like a heart. I taped the gloves and super glued the candy canes and present. I will say to make sure the glue is totally dry before hanging the sign. (If you look close you can see the glue falling from the candy canes.) I wrapped a box with some brown paper for a solid background so the items could be seen better. At the bottom I wrote "peace love joy" in a silver paint marker. When everything is done drying I'm going to glue some ribbon on the back so I can hang it up! I hope you enjoy the sign and plan to make one for your home this holiday season!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Not a Creature was Stirring...

Not even a mouse! These Christmas mice cookies are so simple and so cute! I got the recipe from www.tasteofhome.com and I'm so glad I found it. It does take a little bit of time, but it's only for chilling the mix. Once everything is ready it really doesn't take long at all to make these cute mice. I will say that once everything is mixed and before you put it in the refrigerator, it kind of looks unappetizing. Once it's chilled and you're done making the mice, they actually taste good! Also, I don't like getting my hands dirty so I had to wash my hands at least 3 or 4 times before I was finished, but it was worth it! :)


Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup Nestlé® Tollhouse® Semi-Sweet Morsels
• 2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 40 wafers), divided
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 36 red nonpareils (sprinkles)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 18 pieces black shoestring licorice (2 inches each)

Directions

-In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Stir in 1 cup crumbs and sour cream. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

-For each mouse, roll about 1 tablespoon chocolate mixture into a ball, tapering one end to resemble a mouse. Roll in remaining chocolate crumbs to coat. Position nonpareils for eyes, almond slices for ears and licorice pieces for tails. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

(I only made three so I didn't need a lot of sprinkles, almonds, or licorice.)

Hope you enjoy these Christmas mice!! They will be a cute addition to any Christmas party!

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Mitten Clips

First of all I think this is my favorite project yet! And it's so easy to make! They are super cute mittens clips that you can use to hang Christmas cards you've received. All you need is some felt, clothes pins, felt glue, magnet strips with a sticky backing, and any supplies you want to use to decorate your mittens with. I chose jingle bells and buttons to decorate my mittens with and I got everything at Hobby Lobby for super cheap. You can put the clips on the fridge or you can use them to just keep papers together. Like I said, these are my favorite project so far- I hope you enjoy them! :)

Check back tomorrow for another completed project!!

Bow Bow Bow!

So tonight I had some help from my amazing Mom who is really great at making crafts! She taught me how to make a bow for decorating centerpieces and floral arrangements. While this was my first bow I've ever made, I'm quite proud of the way it turned out. It involves a lot of twisting and holding. If you want specific instructions I can tell you, but just know I got frustrated a few times while making the bow! Hopefully you can use bows like these to decorate your house with, instead of buying bows at the store. It's best to get wired ribbon to make the bows so you can adjust the bow just how you want it to look. You can get wired ribbon at any craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby. I hope you enjoy my bow! Thanks again Mom!!

P.S. Yes I know it is technically after midnight, but it still counts for the 12/3/10 project! :)

Also, come back tomorrow for another completed project!! (hopefully on time!)

Paper Trees

Well I wasn't sure what to make tonight, and I was scrambling to find something, but all I had was a piece of scrapbook paper and some computer paper. It happened to work out perfectly because I came across an idea to make a paper tree. I got my scrapbook paper and computer paper and traced different sized circles on them. I cut them out and folded each circle four times. When they are folded you cut the tip off the top with scissors so there is a little hole at the top when you unfold the paper. When you are all done you can put the paper on a pen to build the different layers. I didn't need a base because the paper was thick enough to hold the tree up by its self. I alternated between white and the silver scrapbook paper to make my Christmas tree! It makes a cute Christmas display and you can make more than one and put them as a centerpiece for the table. You can also decorate the tree or add a star or jingle bell on top, but I liked the simplicity of the white and silver. :) Hope you enjoy!


Come back tomorrow for another finished product!

Christmas Ornaments

So bear with me because this is my first project, but I made Christmas Ornaments! You can buy empty ornaments and decorate them yourself. I got mine from Hobby Lobby and decided to add things on the inside and write on the outside. I got green confetti and added small red jingle bells on the inside and wrote "jingle all the way" on the outside! I decorated another one with white confetti on the inside and glued blue snowflakes on the outside. Hope you like them! :)

Check back tomorrow for a new project!

first post. taking ideas.

Hello! Well this is my first ever blog post and I'm excited to finally be joining the blogging world! If you haven't read my "about me" section then I will fill you in on what I'm going to be doing! Being a college grad with a part-time job, I have a lot of time on my hands. Also, working at a job that gets the same days off as the school district, I will have extra time on my hands during the month of december. During that time I am going to be completing a new project a day. I recently was reading a magazine and saw a bunch of cute ideas for Christmas and decided that I wanted to spend some time making things this holiday season. From dinner and desserts to wreaths and decorations I will be doing one project a day! After I'm done with the "project of the day" I will post a picture of the finished project!

What I need from you:

If you have any ideas or recipes, I would love for you to share them with me! I have a few ideas myself, but I would love some suggestions! 

I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I enjoy making the projects!!