I am on playdough duty this month at my kids pre-school. This means I have to either buy a ton of Playdoh OR make three batches of my own. I chose to make my own. I like to do this because I can add glitter, colors, smells and other things to it to make it unique. November is a perfect month for some Gingerbread Playdough! Here's the recipe.1 cup flour1/2 cup salt2 teaspoons cream of tartar1 Tablespoon cinnamon1 teaspoon ground clove1 teaspoon nutmeg2-3 teaspoons ginger2 Tablespoons oil1 cup waterCombine all the ingredients in a large pot and mix while cooking over a medium heat. It will appear very soupy in the beginning but do not fret...it will thicken up as it heats. You will know it is done when it starts to turn a darker brown color and when you think your arm is going to fall off from stiring it. Dump the dough out on your counter top and knead with your hands until cool. Place in an air tight container or plastic bag. I'm giving these away this year to some kids so I made one … [Read more...]
Pinned it, Did it- FAIL
It's Lindsi here! Jamie is off to the land of bloggy camp! She's attending a convention- in Chicago (anyone have a green crayon to color me with- green with envy)?I saw the coolest idea on Pintrest the other day and I thought "I have got to try that!" I have always thought it would look neat to hang some oversized Christmas bulbs from my window but couldn't justify the cost (they're darn expensive!). Pintrest to the rescue....or so I thought. Someone purchased large styrofoam balls a their local craft store and spray painted them in the color they wanted. Then they added string to them and viola....over-sized Christmas bulbs!Off to the craft store I went...styrofoam balls and a can of gold spray paint......some fumes, a little box and annoyance later! I tried two times but each time the same thing happened. The spray paint ate through the styrofoam balls! Totally melted them along with my excitement!I considered trying one more time...but didn't want to spend much on more styrofoam … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Pie Spice Bars
Are you ready for the most amazing fall-ish bars? Here you go! These pumpkin pie spice bars will have everyone wishing it was fall year round! In a large bowl combine: 2 cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 3 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 2 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 1 can of pumpkin pie filling (I use Festal brand) Pour batter into a large pan (11x17 inches should do) and bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Let the bars cool completely before adding the frosting. To make the frosting combine: 2 8oz packages of cream cheese (softened) 12 T butter (softened) 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp milk 5 cups powdered sugar Spread evenly over the COOLED bars and get ready to enjoy! *Warning- if you make these for a family event, gathering, or party you will be asked to bring them again...every.....single....time!* … [Read more...]
Banana Bread Crunch Muffins
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Right? Yup, they are yummy! Here's an easy recipe that will surly be a winner in your home. Combine: 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1 egg 1/2 vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 2 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Bake in a greased muffin tin (or one lined with paper liners). Fill about 1/2 way. In a separate bowl: 1/2 stick butter, melted 1 cup oats (oatmeal) 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup brown sugar Sprinkle oat mixture on top of each muffin and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. ENJOY! … [Read more...]
Book Pumpkin- Pinned It, Did It
Last year I saw, in a great magazine, the steps needed to make adorable Christmas trees out of old paperback books. I made about 3 or 4 of them and made sure they were different sizes too! I had such a blast making them and my kids like them too. This year when Fall came around (well, here at least) I found the best idea yet! Pumpkins made out of old paperback books! I just love it when I get to reuse something, or try a new twist on something. This pin made me run to my stack of old books and grab the necessary tools to make one for my fall decor. My oldest son really enjoyed watching me make it. It was pretty funny to hear him say after each piece "ooooh, a little closer mama!" Easy enough! All you need is a little pumpkin half shaped piece of paper and a craft knife or razor blade. Wanna know why I am showing you scissors? Pay attention to the later photos. Trace your half pumpkin shape on the first and last page of the book. Cut around 5-8 pages at a time, no more or your … [Read more...]
Fall Cookies- Pinned It, Did It
Have you ever had one of those moments (usually happens to me on Pintrest) where you stop and you go "oh DUH!"? Well that is what came to mind when I saw the original pin. I saw these cookies and knew I had to give it a whirl. It is SO easy too! All you need is a bag of cookie mix, a rolling pin and a leaf shaped cookie cutter....and viola! Beautiful fall colored cookies. I made a double batch of sugar cookies to start. Next, I divided the batter up into four and colored each one a different fall color. I grabbed a small chunk from each colored batch and lined it up next to each other then rolled it out. We used our two leaf shaped cutters to make the cookies and baked. This sure was fun! I am totally adding this to my "to do list" for each fall. Click on the button above to learn more about Pinned it, Did it! … [Read more...]
