Christmas Graham Cracker Candy Houses

This is a fond tradition I did growing up and now continue with my own kids. Since they are still quite young, I constructed the houses for them ahead of time then let them do the rest ( with adult help and supervision of course).
The secret to making this a success is simple: the right icing recipe. It's like cement. It works perfectly. And then all your candy house dreams can come true :)

Royal Frosting for Christmas Houses (works for gingerbread or graham crackers).
Beat together for 1 minute 1-1/2 large egg whites, 1/8 tsp cream of tarter, dash of salt. (I use hand mixer). Then slowly add 2 cups powdered sugar until well blended. Beat on high speed until very stiff and satiny about 3-5 minutes. Keep bowl covered with wet cloth while using to keep from drying out.
Makes enough for about 3 basic small cracker houses or 1 big gingerbread house. Can easily double recipe with 3 egg whites.

Thrifted TV Stand: Before & After

Do you remember my Goodwill Dresser? I had originally bought it for little boy's room but we've been using it for a TV stand. It was working great until little boy discovered how to open the drawers and pull all the dvds out. And the dresser is a little low, and on a few occasions he practically pulled the TV clear off!
We were going to make a new stand with some Ana White plans with the cost of lumber @ least $40, which is pretty good considering the cheapest "wood" stand at Walmart is about $150. But then I spotted this in a thrift store for $20. It needed some TLC but for that price? 20 bucks, bring it home, clean it up and we're done? Yes, please.
Notice the awesome brass hardware (what was left of it) and the major chips in the very bottom right corner. It was like that all the way around. I ordered new hardware off ebay for cheap. My options were very limited because the existing hole spacing was an odd size (2-1/2") and standard is 3". I decided to go with the black because I didnt want to spend any more $ and we already had black spray paint for the hinges. So I replaced the hardware, removed, sprayed and replaced the hinges, then I mixed some red and brown paint I had to match the finish and hide the chips, then wiped her down really good..... and Voila! New TV stand for us! What do you think?

Two Minute Brownie {warning: addicting chocolate fix!}

This recipe is my new favorite quick fix and it's so fast and easy. It's done in the microwave using basic ingredients. You can use a mug, bowl, whatever.

Two Minute Mug Brownie
In microwave safe container, stir together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch salt with a fork until no lumps remain. Stir in 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp milk or water until you have a thick paste. Microwave on high for a minute, checking it after 30 seconds. It will be done when springy on top but a bit gooey in middle.
( picture of triple recipe ).
Enjoy warm!

Unicorn and Rainbows Party {part 2}

Unicorn and Rainbows Party {part 1}

My Take on the Coffee Filter Wreath

This was a fun, quick, cheap project I did with my s-i-l (thanks, Karen!) We took foam board and cut it to size, then wrapped in ribbon. Then I took my coffee filters (I used about 1/2 a package) and cut off all the middles so they wouldnt be too fluffy. Then using a dowel so I wouldnt burn my fingers, I bunched them up and hot glued them all the way around. Then I scrunched the filters all over to make sure it covered every spot and then separated between my fingers and scrunched some more. I wanted them to look more like flowers instead of the fluff. Then I tied ribbon and hot glued the super cute snowflake to it. We are planning on changing out the ribbon and embellishment for every season, etc.
I'm thinking about trying a brown one, too so check back later!

Super Quick & Easy Christmas Craft: Felt Poinsettas

Draw a petal pattern and cut out 3 petals with red felt and 2 leaves with green felt. Pinch each petal in center and secure with wire. Glue leaves to back as desired. Embellish center. Done!