Spiced Holiday Cookies

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! We did and we're not even done yet! When our older boys come home from their Christmas break we have more gifts to open. 

Back to the matter at hand.

Everything I gave as gifts was homemade with one exception: my husband's gift.  I made homemade Playdough for kids and for the adult I made these delish cookies.  Check out the video below for the tutorial.  However, if you're not into that you can just skip it and copy the recipe below that. =)

I hope you give the recipe a try and let me know how you like them. =)

Don't they look awesome?!  They were a definite hit!

McCormick Spiced Holiday Sugar Cookies

2 1/3 C flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 C sugar

1 C (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 egg

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. 

2. Beat sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy.

3. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. 

4. Gradually beat in flour until well mixed. 

5. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight until firm.

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

7. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.

8. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on greased baking sheets.

9. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

10. Cool on baking sheet for 1 min then transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely.

11. Decorate with cookie icing. (Optional)

Cookie Icing

1 C confectioners (powdered) sugar

2 tsp milk

2 tsp light corn syrup

1/4 tsp almond extract (or other extract)

food coloring

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients until smooth

2. Decorate cookies.

If you're interested in what cameras I use to record you can check them out with the below links.

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Have a beautiful and safe New Years Eve. 

Many blessing over you and your family over the next year!

DIY Play Dough

This year for Christmas I'm doing all homemade and VERY frugal!! I don't have the budget to do traditional gift giving this year so I'm doing what I know best, making things and saving money!  I made this Play Dough as a tester yesterday and let me tell you, it's AWESOME!!  =)  It's so soft even I wanted to play with it.

Recipe:

1 C Water
1 C Flour
1/2 C Salt
2 Tbsp Vinegar
2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Food Coloring

Instructions:


1. Mix flour and salt in bowl
2. Mix water, vinegar, oil, and food coloring in seperate bowl or cup
3. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredient and mix until smooth.
4. Cover bowl and microwave on high for 4 minutes
5. Let cool then knead dough until soft and smooth
6. Store in ziploc or airtight container.

If you're more of a visual person check out my video below. =)

DIY: Add Bead To Crochet Flower Earrings

Crochet Flower Tutorial: http://youtu.be/qH0m7PnzNFU

My Links:

FB: http://www.facebook.com/VBrownAdornments.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/VBrown3709
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VBrownAdornments
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/VBAdornments

 

Fresh Off Tha Hook Monday, March 26, 2012

You can find me on these links:

FB: http://www.facebook.com/VBrownAdornments.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/VBrown3709

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VBrownAdornments

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/VBAdornments

Be sure to check out the rest of the Fresh Off Tha Hook Members.

Fresh Off Tha Hook Monday, March 19, 2012

I was on an earring kick this past week. I made 10 pairs! I really like them. They're so pretty, colorful, and light weight. Some times my ears get irritated by heavy earrings so I'm really loving that these can be as big as I want  without pulling on my ears. =)  I hope you like them too. =)

If you prefer to see them "live" check out the video below.

Tutorials
* 5 Petal Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8vrd7Lr5SY&list=PLDA24025FB3AF0A9B&in...
* "Leaf Earrings": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM3IAIr97P4&list=PLDA24025FB3AF0A9B&in...
* 6 Petal Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH0m7PnzNFU&feature=plcp&context=C44e7...
* "Jumbo" Flower Earrings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYb1sx77Prg&context=C4dff082ADvjVQa1PpcFPy...

You can find me on these links:
FB: http://www.facebook.com/VBrownAdornments.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/VBrown3709
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VBrownAdornments
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/VBAdornments

Be sure to check out the rest of the Fresh Off Tha Hook Members.

 

Fresh Off Tha Hook Monday, March 12, 2012

I have been REALLY busy this past week.  My new puppy, Samson, is the reason for that! =)

We got Samson on March 4th. He was my Anniversary gift from my husband. We celebrated our 3rd anniversary on March 7th! =)

We started training Samson the same day we brought him home.

I take him for multiple walks throughout the day, plus we play in the back yard.  All of this is not including the very frequent potty breaks he requires.  Even with all of the potty breaks, playing, walking, and running he is still a ball of energy!  And I still have my 4 kids and household duties to tend to.

When we go out he sits in the front seat of the car with me.  He likes car rides. =)

Due to this additional cuteness/business I've only been able to crochet one item last week...

Be sure to check out the rest of the Fresh Off Tha Hook Fam. =)

Fresh Off Tha Hook Monday, March 5, 2012

Spiral Afghan Tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1vkW99hdg&list=FLmp1KDFaerYggthgkiWt0MA&index=2&feature=plpp_video

Be sure to check out the rest of the Fresh Off Tha Hook Fam.

DIY: Powder Laundry Detergent

Check out how you can save 91% just by making your own laundry detergent...

I've come across many recipes for powdered laundry detergent so there's plenty of wiggle room to experiment and decide what combination works best for your needs.  I am NOT chemist and have no knowledge based on the chemical compounds of these products.  I chose this recipe because there is no measuring and each batch should last between 6 months to a year for my family of 6.  Other recipes only call for one bar of Ivory, but I'm putting three. You can use any bar soap of your choice. Maybe next time I'll make it with only one bar and see how I like it.  I bought the Borax and A&H Washing Soda in the laundry isle of my grocery store, Publix.  There is NO expiration date on the detergent. =)

To make enough to last my family all year I would have to double the recipe below.

Recipe

3 bars Ivory soap, 13.5 oz

1 Box Borax, 76 oz

1 Box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda , 55 oz

(NOT Baking soda)

Grate the bars of soap or cut it into chunk and use a food processor to grate them.

Mix ingredients well in a large container.
Keep covered with lid and out of reach of children & pets.

Use 1 Tablespoon per load, 2 Tbs for heavily soiled loads.
For whites you can add some OxiClean to the wash to help with stains and brightening.

Price Breakdown

I have a family of 6 and wash about 8 loads of laundry each week.
8 loads x 52 weeks = 416 loads/year

Tide Ultra Powder HE Formula
56 oz, 40 loads, $9.45 x 11 boxes =
616 oz, 440 loads, $103.95

$9.45/40 loads = $.24/load
56 oz/40 loads = 1.4 oz/load

Homemade

2 pk Ivory (3 bars, 13.5 oz) $4.74
Two76 oz Box Borax $8.78
Two 55 ozBox Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda $6.38

Total
289 oz, 578 loads, $19.90

$19.90/578 loads = $.03/load
289 oz/578 loads = 0.5 oz/load

Quick Comparison

              Tide 616 oz, 440 loads, $103.95/year, $.24/load
Homemade 289 oz, 578 loads, $19.90/year, $.03/load

Savings; $84.05/year

That's a 81% savings!!  AWESOME! =)

You can increase that savings by using coupons on the Ivory. I usually get them for free when they go on sale at CVS for 10/$10. If I have a $1/1 manufacturer coupon, it's free.

Here's what my savings actually were since I got my Ivory soaps free with coupons...

2 pks Ivory $0
2 boxes Borax $8.78
2 boxes Washing Soda $6.38
= $15.16

$15.16/578 loads = 2.6¢/ load

$88.79 savings/year
 85%


Another GREAT thing about this is that it's safe for HE washers because it doesn't have a lot of suds like commercial detergents and it cleans just as well as they do.  However, because it is a soap and not a detergent I recommend running an empty load of hot water and 1 cup White Vinegar once a month to cut any soap residue from the inside of your washer.

Another tip: White vinegar is great as a natural fabric softener. It cuts soap residue, naturally whitens and brightens clothes without bleaching them, absorbs odors, and softens cloths and "fluffs" towels perfectly. =D  Just add 1/2 Cup of White Vinegar to the wash during the rinse cycle. =)

DIY Face Solution

My husband get razor bumps and ingrown hairs every time he shaves. Because of this we have spent quite a bit on Tend Skin. It comes in a blue bottle and helps with ingrown hairs and razor bumps. It works very well, but keeps getting more and more expensive. I checked the price on sephora.com  a few days ago and a 2.5 oz bottle costs $17!! That's before shipping and tax! That teeny bottle only last him about a week. The yearly cost  would be $884 not including tax or shipping! Crazy huh?  

While I was searching for the price I came across a homemade recipe comparable to Tend Skin. I already had the ingredients on hand so I tried it out.  It works just as good for my husband and I use it as well for breakouts. We both use it twice a day and will NEVER buy another bottle of Tend Skin again!

This video is my 2nd batch, take a glance...

Recipe 

Solution 1

18 Aspirin tablets, crushed

5 oz Rubbing Alcohol

Solution 2

8 Aspirin tablets, crushed

2.5 oz Witch Hazel

Mix the two solutions.

Shake before each use.

Price Breakdown

Tend Skin 2.5oz $17 ($884/year)

Homemade 48oz $10.06/year

One 180 ct CVS Aspirin $.99

Two 16 oz CVS Rubbing Alcohol $2.19 each = $4.39

One 16 oz CVS Witch Hazel $4.69

TOTAL: $10.06

This is enough to make 6 batches, 7.5 oz each, total 45 oz.

Each batch will last one person using it twice a day for 2 months.

So $10.06 for an entire years worth of your homemade product.

That's an $874 savings per year, 99%!!

PLUS, you can always get aspirin on sale with coupons to save even more! 

SWEET! =)

Fresh Off The Hook Monday, Feb. 27, 2012

Rose tutorial:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94vYpcZ3W64

Check out the rest of the Fresh Off The Hook Fam here.

Fresh Off The Hook Monday, Feb. 20, 2012

Here is my FOTHM (Fresh Off The Hook Monday) video showcasing my newest creations!! =) 

 I hope you like!

Patterns Used:
Four Leaf Clover: http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-four-leaf-clover/

Berry Stitch Round Scarf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kviC5g1AHgs&list=UU5X6IJ421mM88I1tTA9S-Jw&...

Loops & Threads Puff Stitch Hat and Scarf Set:ops-Threads%E2%84%A2-Crochet-Hat-and-Scarf-Set/e080..." rel="nofollow" style="border-image: initial; border-width: 0px; color: #1c62b9; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://www.michaels.com/Loops-Threads%E2%84%A2-Crochet-Hat-and-Scarf-Set/e08020,default,pd.html">http://www.michaels.com/Loops-Threads%E2%84%A2-Crochet-Hat-and-Scarf-Set/e080...

I am the maker, model, photographer, videographer, editor, and the sales rep. =)

I hope you enjoyed the video and pictures.

Digital Scrap Booking

I won an award!! =)  

The Butterfly Effect has chosen me to be one of her Liebster Award winners. =)  Thank you for choosing my blog. I'm glad that you enjoy it. =)

Since I have accepted this award I have to follow these simple rules:

1. Link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Pick 5 people deserving of the award and notify them on their blogs.

3. Post the award on your blog and spread the love.

I have already done the 1st and 3rd, so on to the 2nd. =)

1. A Lily Among Thorns

2. Crochet Geek

3. Spice Up Your Blog

4. The Adventures Of My Family Of 8

5. Beauty Broadcast

Now on a different note...

Unfortunately, I haven't been crafty this week. =(  I have been mommy, wife, family driver, cook, maid, tutor...

I need a break!  

My husband and I will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary on March 7th. Hopefully, we'll be able to get their grand parents to watch them for a few days so we can get away. Every year we go to the Keys. =) We love it there! Love the water, the sights, the peace and quiet, and we love having the option of going out or relaxing. =)

I am going to try to crochet something today though so I'll have something to show in my Fresh Off The Hook video this Monday. =)  

I do want to share some of my digital scrap booking that I've done in past years. =)

This is my first born, Malachi.  I took this picture while he was sleeping. He was laughing and smiling in his sleep. =) 

These are a few pictures of Malachi throughout his 1st year.

The main picture here was at his 1st birthday party.

This scroll was to document his 1st haircut. =) He was 2 years old and he was NOT happy to be getting his hair cut. It turned out okay though and he liked it afterward. =)  

About 7 months after this I met my husband and his son, Kwamin.  And 5 months after that we said, "I do." Actually I said, "yes," at the alter. I could barely even say it because I was crying so much. Lol. They were happy tears though. =)  Now, a little over 3 years later, I've come from a family of two (Malachi and I) and being a single mother to a family of SIX!! 

God is good!

He gave me this promise the night before I met my husband...

Psalm 16:11

You have made [fn] known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

The little [fn] after the word "made" means that there is a foot note being referenced. The foot note says, "or will make known."

I had never read this verse before and it jumped out at me so clearly. HE was talking to me! He, God, my Creator and Savior was telling me that He was going to make known to me the path of life He had planned for me from before the foundations of this world were even laid. =)

The next night I met my husband and now I know I am right where I am supposed to be. He has made known to me the path of life! =)

I read this verse every morning as I'm brushing my teeth. I found a framed mirror with this verse on it and had to buy it!

So that's a small bit of my testimony. =)  Now, back to my digital scrap booking. =)

This picture just moves me to tears. Seeing His bloody back reminds me that it was MY sin that put Him on that cross and He did it WILLINGLY! I put the key in one corner and "life" in the other because Jesus is the Key to Life!  The verse tells us what His mission on this Earth is; to give us abundant life here on Earth and eternal life with Him in Heaven. He freely gives it to everyone, but each of us have to choose to accept it. =)

So, I hope you have enjoyed my picture creations. I would like to get back into this because I now have 4 kids and a hubby and would like to spice up some of our pictures. =)

Fresh Off The Hook Monday, Feb. 13, 2012