It's a DIY Christmas

So, this year, since I'm living on a teaching salary, I'm finding ways to be smart with my money and I wanted to give my students treats on Friday before we are off on Christmas Break. So, thank you Pinterest (once again) for this awesome idea that I know the kiddos will love!!

Hot Cocoa Rudolf

Cute right?!

Things you will need:
1. Hot cocoa (I used Swiss miss)
2. Mini Marshmallows
3. Decorating Bags - holds it all together
4. Twisty ties
5. Brown pipe cleaners - antlers
6. Wiggly eyes
7. Poms - his nose
8. Hot glue gun & glue
9. Scoop to measure out cocoa

Once you've gathered all of your items, you're ready to get started! I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup to make sure that each Rudolf ended up with the same amount of cocoa. After the cocoa was in the decorating bag, I got about a handful of mini marshmallows to go on top. Then you twist the bag to ensure that nothing can fall out and secure that with a twisty tie. On top of the twisty tie you place the brown pipe cleaner. Now you've completed the most time consuming part of the project. Go you!

To curl the pipe cleaner, I just wrapped it around my finger and stretched :)

Also, I cut the extra top of the decorating bags off so that they wouldn't get it the way.

Now for the fun part - gluing!

Get your hot glue gun all warmed up and ready! It's time to give Rudolf some eyes and a nose!! Not only was this the fun part, but it was also quick. I couldn't believe how fast I was done! I sure do the kiddos love their treats! :) 

24 little Rudolfs ready to be given away!

 
I love making little things like this and to me, it means so much more when you put time and effort into making something for someone than it does just picking something out from the store (sadly with work, it's hard to do that all the time).

But, I will never say no to anything from the store ;) *wink wink*

HAPPY CRAFTING!

Ornament Wreath DIY

This was an idea I got from Pinterest and since this year has been about change and new traditions, I figured I would make my first Christmas wreath!

This is what you will need:
1. Styrofoam circle
2. Ornaments (any color-I went traditional)
3. Hot glue gun & glue
4. Bow (optional)

Silver ornaments not pictured

The ornaments will have silver tips on them that you connect a hook to - just take them off, you won't need them. After you've done that, you're ready! First you have to make sure you have all of your items ready before you can start gluing. 

 

This is why I love him :P ;)

 Since the picture I had found on pinterest didn't really explain how they had glued the ornaments on, I used a method that worked well and hopefully it will help you as well! I decided that before I was going to glue the ornaments down, I twisted them into the styrofoam circle to make a hole and then proceeded to glue. There was no particular order in which I glued, so how you decide to go about, I say power to ya! I had a lot of fun putting it all together and plan on doing it again, soon! HAPPY CRAFTING!

Finished Product (and my feet)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Pinterest Adventure (Baking)

This past December my office had a Christmas party and I wanted to bring cookies....but not just any cookies....a special type of cookie...a cream cheese chocolate chip cookie!!! Sound delicious right?!

It's all thanks to Pinterest

I found this recipe and repinned it onto my "Baking Fiend" board, and when I got the evite to the party, it came to me. Make the cookies! So, I did just that!

 It was a simple recipe and I love cream cheese and chocolate chips and cookies...so I HAD to make them! [don't judge me]

I got the following recipe through pinterest which led to the blog Jo and Sue (thanks goes to them!)

First all you need is: 
1 package of crescent rolls (preferably uncut/seamless)
1 (8oz) package of cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

 

Unroll the crescent roll. Stretch out the dough into a rectangle. (If you can't find the seamless crescent dough then just make sure you pinch the seams together well.)

 

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the crescent dough - leave a gap at the edge of about 1/2 inch.

 

 

Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Roll the crescent roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill at least 2 hours, or overnight.

 

 

 

Once chilled - preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Slice the cookie log into about 1/4 inch slices. Bake on prepared sheet for 10 - 15 minutes, until golden brown.

 

(man hand is dad's--we used the string method of cutting for a more round cut rather than squished)

 

Let cool on sheet for about 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely. 

 

Didn't have a wire rack so they cooled longer on the cookie sheet

they were different than other cookies I've made in the past, but they were delicious! :) I was and still am quite proud of myself for this feat :) You should seriously try them out yourself :) It's simple, fast, and easy!

But seriously. Try them. You'll thank me later :)



Oh, and you're welcome!