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Taste Test Tuesday — Take our Hot Chocolate Survey

By KariV on November 12, 2013 in Taste Test Tuesday

We have an exciting Taste Test Tuesday coming up! It’s our Hot Chocolate Challenge and we want to hear from YOU.

In our research and testing, we’ve found more hot chocolate brands to try and that MUST be included in our challenge. We will be bringing the results to you soon! But for now, help us out by taking the SURVEY to tell us your favorite hot chocolate mix. And do you prefer marshmallows or whipped cream (or neither)?

Click here for the Hot Cocoa Survey. It’s only 2 questions and will just take a minute.
Thanks for your help and input.

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Dose of Sunshine Monday — Pecan Tassies

By KariV on November 11, 2013 in Dessert, Holidays, Recipes, Thanksgiving

Happy Monday! I’m SO excited for Thanksgiving this year. My very favorite day of the year is the day BEFORE Thanksgiving, because that’s the day my Mom & I spend the entire day baking, cooking and getting ready for Turkey Day. One of the things we make is homemade pecan pie. And my grandmother has a nice twist on pecan pie that I just love.

Announcing: a much requested recipe…my grandmother’s Pecan Tassies.

I’m over at Mom Endeavors with the full recipe and instructions; go check it out here.

Have you ever had a mini dessert bar for Thanksgiving? I think this would make a great addition to a mini dessert table spread, along with these Mini Pumpkin Pies. What else would you add?

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Home For the Holidays — Stripe Challenge

By KariV on November 10, 2013 in Paper Crafting

What do you think of lime green and pink for a Holiday card? I have another striped card for you today! This time, I tried my hand at wreath-making (on a card). I used the “Hang Ups” stamp set by Paper Smooches to create a wreath all my own.

Have you seen this stamp set? There are so many fun elements to play with!

So I used those pine needles and the holly/mistletoe elements to make a wreath! I love it.
Oh, and the little bird came from this set, too…He’s nestled right in the middle of the wreath — It’s like he made himself right at home!

The “Home for the Holidays” sentiment is from “Merry Motifs”

I used liquid pearls for the berries, and some distress ink for shading. Green glitter tape finishes it off! I’m kinda enjoying the change with the lighter Christmas colors.

Joining the Paper Smooches Stripes Challenge here.
Also linking up to Simon Says Stamp Challenge here.

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It’s a Big Deal card

By KariV on November 10, 2013 in Paper Crafting

This week the Paper Smooches Trend Watch Challenge was STRIPES! That’s when I had to get creative. I couldn’t find any whole pieces of striped paper in my stash, nor did I have a stripey stamp to use. SO…here’s my paper-piecing striped card.

This is from the stamp set by Paper Smooches called “Think Fast” and I have been anxious to try it out! Big red stripes of paper and a giant sub sandwich, ice cream, and clear embossed drink make up a fantastic card.

I used some Distress glitter on that ice cream cone to make it shine. And a little red stripe of paper for the drink.

Again, I used my InkTense Watercolor pencils on the sandwich and the cone. Those are quickly becoming my favorite pencils.

This is a fun set to use! I see some stamping with fries in my future. 🙂

Linking up to the challenge here.

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How to sew Baby Burp Cloths

By KariV on November 7, 2013 in DIY, Gift Ideas

Have you heard?!? I am a grandma!! And when I found out I was going to be a grandma…the first thing I did was go shopping for FABRIC. These Designer Burp Cloths are so soft and beautiful. And every mom needs a stack of them.

I got all of these fabrics from JoAnn’s. They are thick cotten fabric on one side, and soft white chenille on the other. I whipped up a bunch of these in a single day.

Just look at how soft that chenille is.

To make your own, just cut out the fabric into rectangles. I made mine about 14″ x 9″. Put right sides together, and sew them up, leaving about 3″ on one side to turn the fabrics right side out. Then iron, and hand stitch the hole closed.

These are just like sewing up the Baby Blanket I shared a while ago, only on a much smaller scale. They are machine washable in cold water…and you KNOW that’s important!