New Year's Eve 2014

 

  It's New Years Eve and I'll bet you have a party to attend this evening. If you need an easy fancy looking dessert idea to take along, look to further. I am making this recipe semi-homemade so that we can shorten baking time, but not compromise on that baked-from-scratch flavor.   Ill walk you through step by step to help you get that perfect look for your New Years Eve bash.  

Easy Gingerbread Man cookie glaze

  If you saw my favorite gingerbread man cookie post you will probably be wanting my easy gingerbread man cookie glaze. This is a very simple yet beautifully glossy glaze. I usually help my kids spoon it on and let them go crazy with sprinkles and decorations.  

Favorite Holiday Gingerbread Man cookies

 

 

Can I officially call it Christmas week? With school being out and all other activities being postponed until next year (that sounds weird), presents wrapped and kids at my heels, I have decided we are fully submerging ourselves in everything Christmas.

I am going to find a service project to do with my little ducklings this week but since today is lazy Sunday, we thought it best to spend time together making the cookies we will leave out for Santa. This is a favorite recipe of mine I have been making for years.

Chewy, soft, spiced, delicious, and just plain adorable! I couldn't decide which pictures to cut so I just used them all.

Make these cookies with someone you love! Happy Christmas week.

How to create an AWARD WINNING Garnish in a few easy steps

 Last weekend I had the opportunity to help out one of my family members by creating a few delicious desserts to enter into his Holiday work party.

We decided to make my mini cheesecakes with raspberry swirls as well as these cupcakes with a beautiful garnish. I guess I am going to have to come up with a name with them huh?

To my great surprise, the cupcakes took the grand prize! I was so excited I had to share with you how easy it was to create this beautiful garnish. It looks intimidating but really in just a few super easy steps, anyone can make it.

DIY mini burlap trees

 

 Have you seen those darling mini trees at TJMAXX that you can use to decorate your mantel? I really like them but they are around 20$ each! I decided to make my own for much cheaper.

I think they would be so fun to hand out to friends instead of candy. They smell like Christmas and add a fun decorative touch anywhere they are!

To see some of my other Christmas décor go here.

Dinosaur Birthday Party {On a dime}

 

  My (not so) little Benson turned 5! We had a wonderful birthday, all in Dinosaur theme of course. I wanted to share my ideas with you, in case you have a dinosaur lover at your house!   The invitation: Designed in pic monkey with free clip art from google.