DIY: Holiday Favorites

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During the holidays each year I share with you some of my favorite confections and crafts. Here are some of my holiday favorites featuring the just the thing way to impress family, friends or even the in-laws: a cookie bouquet. Simple turtles made from Rolo’s that make a great neighbor gift, how to gift-wrap and recreate the beloved Tiffany bow. Cinnamon applesauce ornaments that make great additions to gifts, a ribbon wreath and much more! Hope you enjoy some of my holiday favorites as much as I do. xx
{Rolo Pretzel Turtles}

Snapshots

 {first snowfall in the new house}
On Saturday I officially moved into my new house. The town is very tourist geared and many shops are closed through the winter season. Mother nature even let me experience my first snowstorm of the season leaving the trees gorgeous but my puppy extremely unhappy with the white stuff and plummeting temperatures. I even managed to lock him and I out of the house the third day we were there.  Here is to a better weekend filled with plenty of Christmas confections. What are your weekend plans?
 {edgy necklace to spice up an outfit}
 {jack in his winter jacket}
 {christmas mail}
{holiday soaps for the bathroom}

DIY: Gingerbread Martini Glass Candle

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I’m a tad bit of a hoarder when it comes to candles and anytime I am home, I will have at least one burning. I love having my entire house filled with fabulous scents (I rotate fragrances based on the time of year and will even burn multiple scents at a time). I always have left over wax in my candle jars, and instead of wasting it by throwing it away I decided to use it to make new candles. Since this years Christmas theme is gingerbread I bought martini glasses that would be filled with white candle wax and adorned with wax gingerbread men to represent milk and cookies. Not only do they look adorable, but also they’d also make an ideal gift and can be changed for anytime of the year. Here are the simple steps to candle cuteness.

 Step 1: Line a mini loaf pan with foil.

Step 2: Place wax if not in a jar (I bought two votive candles) inside a glass jar and in a pot of water on the stove. Allow wax to melt; stirring as needed.

Step 3: Pour melted wax into the prepared foil pan and allow to semi set up.

Step 4: Cut out your desired shape with a mini cookie cutter.

Step 5: Melt your main color of wax the same way as step 2. Once melted place a small amount of wax in the bottom of the martini glass and add the wick (found at Michael, Hobby Lobby..etc) allow to harden.

 Step 6: Pour your main color wax into the martini glass leaving a space at the top.

Step 7: Allow to become almost hardened before you set your shapes on top, and allow to set up over night.

 Step 8: Trim your wick.

Step 9: The finishing touches; add a bow if desired and use as decor, place in a cellophane bag to give as a gift, place in a box and wrap or in a gift bag. The candles are adorable, burn nicely and will be my go-to gift for 2013.

Chocolate Covered Oreos

Once December 1st arrives snowmen begin to fill my house for the holidays and winter months. Last week I was at a cake supply store near my parent’s house where I came across the cutest mini sugar snowmen, and later decided to use them on chocolate covered Oreos. To make: insert a sucker stick into each Oreo (I bought candy cane flavor), melt chocolate and/or white chocolate on defrost in the microwave; 15-second intervals; stirring each time. Spoon chocolate over each Oreo and place on a cookie sheet add a sugared snowman (sprinkles, crushed candy cane …etc) if desired. Place in the freezer to harden (10-15 minutes) store in an airtight container or individual cellophane bags.

Santa Cookies

Before I left my parent’s house their neighbors little girl asked me if I could help her make the perfect cookie for Santa. I decided on Santa shortbread bread cookies made up of various size balls. They’re fun and simple for kids of any age to make. These cookies will last for weeks and freeze well.

Santa Cookies
Makes 11 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie
1 cup butter; softened
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1.5 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
red paste food coloring

Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl beat butter on medium to high speed for one minute. Add sugar; beat until combined. Beat in 1 tablespoon milk and 1.5 teaspoons vanilla. Beat in the flour; you may need to mix in some with a wooden spoon.
2. Remove 1 cup of the dough. Stir red coloring into the remaining dough.
3. Shape each Santa by making on 3/4 -inch ball and four 1/4-inch balls from plain dough.
4. From red dough, shape one 1-inch ball and five 1/2-inch balls. Flatten the 1-inch red ball on cookie sheet until 1/2-inch thick. Attach plain 3/4 –inch ball for the head and flatten until 1/2-inch thick. Attached four 1/2-inch red balls for the arms and legs, and place plain 1/4-inch balls at the ends of arms and legs for the hands. Shape remaining 1/2-inch red ball into a hat Add chocolate pieces for the eyes and buttons.
5. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 3 minutes on a cookie sheet. Place on wire rack to cool.

For the Icing
Ingredients
1/2  cup shorting
2 1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
milk (add in slowly and as needed)
heart shaped red hot candies

Directions
1. In a small mixing bowl beat shortening and vanilla with an electric mixer for one minute. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing well. Add in 1 tablespoon milk. Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar and enough milk (2-5 teaspoons) to make the frosting piping consistency.
2. Spoon frosting into a decorating bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe where desired and attach the cinnamon heart candy to the frosting for his mustache to create the nose.