Merry Christmas 2014

Frozen Birthday Party

Well I think that Natalie had a wonderful Frozen party! She really enjoyed herself and felt like a princess for a day. I had alot of fun putting this together for her and it was worth all the effort of making many of her decorations! It saved so much and was still a hit! There are so many great ideas that are easy and cheap that you can create and make your child's party a great success without spending lots of money. Here is a look at her party. Thank you so much to her Mama, Papa, sissy, Marty and all her little friends that attended! 

(the beautiful cupcake Elsa dress was created by) https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATasteofHeavenCakesandCupcakes/

Drinks for Natalie's Frozen party

Of course every Frozen party has to have the melted snow and glacier juice!! :) Natalie loved helping with this. Here is the link to print the labels for your party! http://likemomandapplepie.blogspot.com/2014/08/frozen-birthday-party-and-free.html?m=1

How to make a Frozen theme Pinata for under $5!!!!

So I promised to post things that I am making for my daughter Natalie's birthday coming up next week. She wants a Frozen party!! So I am going to make a Frozen party for under $60!!!! Yep that is my goal :) 
First thing is first, I just finished her pinata for under $5. (Minus the candy/toys.) 
This was so much fun to make and so very cheap!! I decided I didn't want to pay $25 for one! That is the cost of the Frozen theme. Some were more then that. Craziness I say! So put $20 back into your wallet and make this! 

First you will need these supplies.

• Box (use the free priority box size 12.25 x 2.75 x 13.375 from your post office) 
• tape
• scissors
• ribbon
• glitter snow flake
• printer with color ink
• 1 pack tissue paper ( I found the blue with snow flake print at Walmart for $1.47 6 sheets)
• Candy

First close your box up. The priority box will have peel and stick on each end. That will close it up nice and tight. Search online for the picture that you want and print it a 5x7 size. Tape your picture onto the front. 

Next cut a opening into the top corner of the box. This will be the fill hole. 

Next you want to take the 6 sheets of tissue paper out of the pack. Take one sheet and cut into long 4 inches by 24 inch strips. Fold long ways. And then cut on fold side all the way across. Once you do this you want to tape the strips onto your box with fringy side at the top. This will make them fall down a little to give it the effect in the picture. Continue this step until you cover the front, back and all sides. It took one pack of 6 sheets to cover the entire box. 

Here is what the strips will look like when you fold and cut them.  

Once you get it all covered add a border of silver ribbon around the picture to just give it a finished shiny look. I added the glitter snowflake to the top front and ribbon hanging from the bottom. Use a zip tie or cord as a hanger. Then fill it with candy!! That is it. Very cute and inexpensive way to have a Frozen Pinata for less then $5!!!! Give it a try. Kids can help! Natalie loves it. <3 

My New Toy

This is a new addition to my crafting toys!! I love it so much. It is a beautiful 1937 Domestic.
I will be doing lots of quilting in my future! :) So excited I had to share it. I have many machines and the machine I do most of my work with is a 1978 PFAFF (the best machine ever made in my opinion!) lol I also have a 1800's Singer for looks. I "Dress maker" display. And a New Singer also a New Brother that just sits in a shelf and collects dust. Yep I like a old machine that can create a perfect stitch and low sound! 

Domestic <3 

PFAFF Hobbymatic 935. It's been my baby ever since I found it. It's perfect,  what I love most about this product is the control and sensitivity of the peddle. It is so quiet!

Real Housewife Crafter: Sew Wax Paper Treat Bags! I loved maki...

Real Housewife Crafter:            Sew Wax Paper Treat Bags! 
I loved maki...:            Sew Wax Paper Treat Bags!  I loved making these super easy and cheap treat bags for my rock candy. Also we are trying some new f...

           Sew Wax Paper Treat Bags! 
I loved making these super easy and cheap treat bags for my rock candy. Also we are trying some new flavors this year. :) Watermelon, and eggnog! 
For these super easy treat bags you just simply cut out the wax paper into what ever shape you want, and sew the sides up. (you can even cut out shapes of stockings, stars ect... would be cute also! ) Then make and print your labels onto regular printer paper. Cut out and fold the top of the wax paper over and lay the label on top and sew shut! That easy! Handmade means so much more and you could even make larger sizes to just store your candies in. :) hope this will help you out and enjoy!!! Merry Christmas. <3 

Rock Candy Recipe

 TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Cook: 25 min. + cooling

YIELD:32 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3-3/4 cups sugar
• 1-1/4 cups Light Corn Syrup Corn Syrup
  
• 1 teaspoon red liquid food coloring
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. pan with foil; butter the foil and set aside. 

In a large heavy saucepan, combine water, sugar, corn syrup and food coloring. 

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. 

Cover and cook for 3 minutes to dissolve sugar crystals.

• Uncover; cook on medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300°
•  (hard-crack stage), about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in cinnamon oil 
• (keep face away from mixture as oil is very strong).
•  Immediately pour onto prepared pan. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
• Break the candy into pieces using the edge of a metal mallet. 
• Sprinkle both sides of candy with confectioners' sugar. 
• Store in airtight container. Yield: about 2 pounds.

Editor's Note: We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

                       

My coconut truffles 

Ingredients (approximately 30 truffles)

• 7 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• pinch of salt
• 2 1/2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
• 1 pound white chocolate bark, melted
• finely chopped nuts (I used walnuts)  to decorate, if desired

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla extract.  Stir in the unsweetened coconut.  Freeze mixture for 30 minutes.
• Form coconut mixture into 1-inch balls (I use a small  scoop), place on a parchment lined pan, then freeze for an additional 15 minutes.
• Line another baking sheet with parchment paper, then dip each ball in melted chocolate, and place on the parchment paper. Decorate with finely chopped almonds, if desired.
• Note: The coconut balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer.

Here is the band playing at the Serenity Cup Cafe' they were awesome!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=366645730170598&set=vb.353311404837364&type=2&theater

Flash Back!!!!

                                             I love it!!! My sisters and I Christmas dinner 1983 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

                                    Our beautiful tree! 

Well I thought it was about time for a little change. So I am making new things for my house one piece at a time. No Hurry Here!!! lol so here is a new grocery bag holder I finished up and also still working on the bread box. I just have to figure out what font I want to use for my BREAD BOX on the front.  I didn't make a tutorial on the grocery bag holder although here is a link to one that is basically the same idea. :) They are very easy to make if you sew. 

How to Sew a Hanging Grocery Plastic Baggy Holder in 30 mintues or less. ( I just added the bow to the front :) ) You can even add a label or just about anything. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M34utY3Hh7U

Here is how mine turned out!!!! And some other ones I have made in the past. Have fun!!!! 

Please vote for my Appetizer Recipe at Food Lion recipe contest!! It is my Turkey Cheese Ball I would really appreciate your vote and my kids and I could really really use $1000.00 shopping card!!! Thank you so much.  
https://www.facebook.com/foodlion?v=app_1498961260381262&app_data=entry_id%3D74014727%26gaReferrerOverride%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252F

Primitive Prairie angels I am making for my dining room prim tree. easy and cute to make! Everyone will be a different color. They are made out of clothes pins.
Also made me a set of stone bowl covers. Also my craft centerpieces I made out of coffee cans.

Finished making our Count down to Christmas. When the countdown begins just take the number off the clothes pin. Use it year after year. here is the link to print the numbers and the center if anyone would like to make one. Fun craft.
http://blog.delightfulorder.com/…/advent-christmas-countdow…

                                                       http://blog.delightfulorder.com/

I love handmade best 
Here is what I come up with for one of the coffee can creations. Cookie container. I hand painted it then used the plastic lid inside the hat that I sewed up for the top. Could also put a small strand of lights inside to light the hat up. So We will use it as a table centerpiece and also a cookie can

Our pizza ring :)

So we tried this awesome easy and yummy Pizza Ring tonight! Kids really loved it.
I am always looking for great easy recipes. I think most mothers could agree! Here is the recipe for you to try. Enjoy <3

Don't forget Handmade!!!

                 WHILE SHOPPING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON DON'T FORGET HANDMADE!!!! 

Must try yummy Creamy Peanut Butter fruit dip!

So I made a really great Creamy Peanut butter fruit dip today for the kid's snack. Went well with apples, banana's and also strawberries. The kid's loved it! I will be using this one for school lunch also. And tried the corn dog squares. Natalie had fun helping me in the kitchen today. Here is our dip recipe!! 
CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER FRUIT DIP
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup dark brown sugar (can use light if you prefer)
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
In mixing bowl, place softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Mix with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add milk and mix until well combined, scraping down sides as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
For serving: Apples (cut into wedges and coated in orange juice to prevent browning), Celery Sticks, gingersnaps, or anything else you wanna dip!
Your family will thank you!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Real-Housewife-Crafter/1725326541024865

7 Day Meal Planning Part 2

     I am back to do a follow up on my 7 Day Meal Planning. My goal is to save a few hundred a month on groceries. So far I have planned for 2 weeks at $250.00 on my shopping trip today!!! I spent a big part of my day looking at all the sale ads and matching price. I also printed and cut coupons. ( Use only coupons that are for items in your meal plan, not random ones unless the item ends up being free lol) In that amount I also planned for the kids school lunch. Healthy lunches also! I am very excited now because I am catching on to this a little more. If all goes well like I planned and shopped for , then I will be feeding a family of 6 for $250.00 for 14 days! That would help my family sooooo much and would be amazing for me. :) So here is the pic of my shopping trip and what it will take. I planned for home cooked meals. Including crock pot meals. We will have a pizza night in there also lol. I matched those Stuffed Crust Digiorno's at $5.49 I was pretty excited about that. The pineapples matched with Aldi's $1.29 each. 10lb bag of potatos for $2.99. Red and Granny smith apples $2.29 a 3lb bag. I got 4 bags, I matched them to Save-a-lot sale. Those are a few of my match prices. Seriously if you don't take advantage of the Walmart match price then you should really consider it because you can  help your family save money. :) Some people looked at me like I was a crazy lady although if I am crazy for saving my family money then that is ok my me :) haha!