December 15, 2012

We've moved!

Hi, friends!
Our Story has recently moved to Simple October.
Follow all of our adventures over there. I would love the company!
Thanks for being awesome readers!

Emily

December 13, 2012

Gingerbread Kids

Sharing a recipe for Gingerbread men. Yum!

Gingerbread Kids

2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, room temp.
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1 large egg yolk

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses and then the egg yolk. On low speed, gradually beat in the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
Divide the dough into quarters, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Divid one of the pieces of dough in half and refrigerate the remaining pieces of dough. On a generously floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out cookies using cookie cutters. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for about 8 minutes, or until slightly firm.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before moving to cool completely on wire racks.
Repeat with remaining dough. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Have fun!

December 1, 2012

Advent Activity Calendar List

So, Wednesday I found out that I've reached my free storage limit on this blog here. Basically means I can't upload/post photos anymore without paying for storage. I am still thinking about what I want to do in regards to this, so bare with me. I may have a few posts like this with no photos for a bit. I love how this blog has given me a space to share some of myself with you, my readers/friends and want to continue doing so. I will definitely keep you all posted with my next move. Thanks for your patience!

On to fun things.....I made an Advent Activity Calendar today using some large shipping tags, circle punched patterned paper, number stamps, twine, and mini clothespins. I posted a small photo of it on the Simple October Facebook wall so you all could see it too, so cute! (even if I say so myself)

Still working on ideas for a couple activities but here is my list so far. I may end up switching some around to work for our schedule but they are all easy to pull together and most cost little to no money.

Advent Activity Calendar List

1. Santa paint pages - I found Christmas watercolor books that already have the paint on the bottom at Michaels craft store for a dollar. Just add water and a paintbrush.

2. Cut & glue snowman art - draw three different size circles on white cardstock, have boys practice cutting the circles with their safety scissors. Glue circles and other pre-cut cardstock pieces together on a dark colored cardstock.

3. Glitter playdough with cookie cutters - idea from here.

4. Use Sharpies to decorate their own mugs (dollar tree mugs) - idea from here.

5. Make raindeer antlers from construction paper.

6. Make hot cocoa together and use our newly decorated mugs.

7. Have a fake snowball fight with these marshmallow shooters.

8. Pipe cleaner ornaments with large plastic beads - candy canes, wreaths, etc.

9. Star sticker Christmas cards & send them to grandparents.

10. Play with felt Christmas tree - idea from here.

11. Make cloud dough or pretend snow - use this recipe

12. Create cotton ball Santa beard art - inspiration here.

13. Bake and decorate cookies

14. Watch "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"

15. Make gingerbread houses

16. Make snow globes - like this or this

17. Visit Santa at Bass Pro

18. Deliver cookies to friends

19. Make paper cone Christmas trees - like these

20. Play a holiday themed memory game

21. Write letters to Santa

22. Match Christmas lights with colors - idea from here.

23.

24.

25. Drive around looking at Christmas lights


That's all I have for now. I amazed myself after coming up with this list. Whew.....

What are somethings you would add to your list of holiday fun? I would love to know.


November 13, 2012

Pumpkin Mousse

I'm a sucker for pumpkin everything this time of year.
Once you taste this scrumptious pumpkin treat, you'll want to make it again next year.

Pumpkin Mousse

1 box cheesecake Jell-O instant pudding mix
1 3/4 c. milk
2 T. pumpkin puree
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground allspice

Start by slowly adding some milk to the pudding mix using an electric mixer on low. Continue slowly adding more milk and mixing on low until all the milk has been added. Add the pumpkin and spices and mix for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding has become thick.

To make the homemade whipped cream, mix heavy whipping cream with a 1 tsp. sugar and a 1/4 tsp vanilla until it forms a thick whipped cream.

Serve with a dollop or two of whipped cream and a ginger snap cookie.
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.


November 12, 2012

Fall scrapbook album work shop 2012

Hosting the scrapbook workshops is always so much fun.
This year five wonderful ladies came for the evening.
We had dinner, dessert, and some scrapbooking.
I always like to see how everyone changes things to make it more them.
It's great!

I was slacking on the photo taking and didn't get one of our dinner.
Creamy chicken and wild rice soup, salad, and homemade rolls.

This was my last workshop here before we move, so it was a little bittersweet.
So, thank you to all who came and made it a success. You ladies rock!



















We had 2 desserts this year. Homemade apple pie and pumpkin mousse. Mmm....

To see the full album and all the pages see this previous post here.


October 31, 2012

Oct. 31

 
 

 
 
 
 
Our third year trick or treating.
The first year we've gone without friends.
Without daddy.
They did AMAZING!
This mom is so proud.
They gave smiles and made eye contact.
Absolutely no tears.
They still don't care about candy.
Hooray for their teeth!
Daddy took care of the loot.
They loved their "Brett Favre" shirts.
We have three coffee table books about Brett Favre.
Those books are their favorite.
They knew their shirts were the same as the ones in the books.
And brought them out to show me.
They love watching football.
With or without daddy.
I just love them.
My heart is so happy.
 
Happy Halloween!