Sunshine in my pocket

Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread cookies

By KariV on December 18, 2013 in Uncategorized

Wow. It feels like I haven’t posted in a LONG time! I’ve been sick, sick, sick. But I’m back and sharing one of my favorite cookies for the holidays! Chocolate Peppermint shortbread Cookies!

I love this shortbread recipe because you can change it up to be chocolate or vanilla! I’m sharing my shortbread secrets and my recipe over at Mom Endeavors, so go check it out. And tell Sara I sent you!

Also, for a lighter LEMON shortbread, check out the recipe here.

I’ll be back with some more yummy goodness soon. I hope you have a very Happy Christmas!

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Thank You Bee mini card

By KariV on November 17, 2013 in Paper Crafting

Happy weekend…I’ve been working on some cards this weekend (surprise!) and this one is for the Paper Smooches Sparks contest.

I love that little Paper Smooches bee! I used the “Thank you” sentiment from Folkal Points set and a hexagon shaped embossing folder. This is a Mini 3×3 card…perfect for gift giving. I love having some of these little cards on hand.

So I made a few! I added a little glitter glue to the wings and glossy accents to the eyes. I only adhered down one side of the flag, so it looks like it’s waving free. I hope this makes someone smile!

Linking up to the Paper Smooches challenge here.
And the Simon Says Stamp Thanks challenge here.

Supplies:
Stamps: Paper Smooches
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug Hexagon
Other: Stickles glitter glue, white gel pen, white embossing powder

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Card class Inspiration card – Hope you Made the Nice List

By KariV on November 14, 2013 in Paper Crafting

I have been completely inspired by Jennifer McGuire in the 2013 Holiday Online Card Class. Take a look:

When you open the (uncommon) side-fold card, you will find…

A clever little saying….

“Ho, Ho, Hope you made the nice list!”

I tried a new technique on the “fur” by using Liquid Pearls and then adding Distress Stickles glitter in Rock Candy while it was still wet. I love the extra dimension it gives the card. The black band reminds me of Santa’s belt! Love that Paper Smooches stamp. 🙂

Supplies used:
Stamps: Santa – Santa Paws by Paper Smooches; Mistletoe – Hang Ups by Paper Smooches; Ho Ho Ho Sentiment – Grand Holiday Greetings by My Favorite Things
Color: Derwent Inktense colored pencils
Other: Liquid Pearls in Opal, Distress Stickles Rock Candy Glitter, Red Baker’s Twine by The Twinery

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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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