It doesn't take complicated crafts to make my girls happy or keep them occupied; it's usually the simplest projects that hold their attention best. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes is one of those projects! Chances are you remember this craft from your childhood, and the fun part is in customizing your snowflake since the possibilities are virtually endless.…
Printable take-out boxes I think this may be one of my favorite printables to date, and I'm already dreaming up how I can use them for passing out Christmas goodies this year, especially since they're the perfect size for my nonpareils! Simply print out the template of your choice on regular paper (for a light…
Madeleines, or French tea cakes, are really more cake than cookie, although we tend to think of them as a cookie anyway. These light and fluffy sponge cakes are baked in a shell-shaped pan to give them their distinctive shape, and they can be made with a variety of flavored extracts or decorations for a…
I love decorating with Cinnamon-scented pine cones from the first chill of fall to the last day of winter, and we always incorporate them as part of our Christmas decor, hanging them on the tree or piling them in a bowl. I've purchased the big bags of Cinnamon-scented pine cones before, but this year I…
Royal icing is an icing that dries hard and is perfect for decorating cookies or putting together gingerbread houses. Traditionally made with egg whites, it's easy to make your own royal icing using meringue powder to avoid the worry of raw eggs in your treats. Come back next week and I'll show you what we decorated with our royal icing! Ingredients:…
Similar to the French macaron, alfajores are a South American treat. While the specifics vary by region and country, the basic idea is a sandwich cookie with a sweet filling in the middle. This version incorporates a rich dulce de leche between two melt-in-your-mouth cornstarch cookies! The alfajores cookies are easy to make, using just a few…
As I was searching for footprint ideas for this year's calendar, I couldn't help but laugh. It seems that most of the ideas on Pinterest are made by adults with tiny feet or children with exceptional artistry. Needless to say, our footprints are less about a perfectly cute work of art and more about capturing…
The following post is from Jason & Jennifer Bruce of New Season Design: Fill-in-the-blank thank you cards {101 Days of Christmas} Christmas is an easy time for kids to focus on what they're getting. And it's no wonder. I can't count the number of times that Emma is asked what she'd like to have for…
Homemade toiletries such as lip scrub and lip balm are a popular DIY project for good reason: not only does making your own allow you to control the ingredients to avoid those that are toxic or questionable, but it's also much less expensive than buying them. This homemade lip scrub and lip balm would make…
I fell in love with meringue cookies a couple of years ago, and their light, airy texture and not-too-sweet flavor make them a nice little treat any time of the year. But while these peppermint meringues are also pretty to look at, I just haven't been able to bring myself to make them again because…