Diaper Wreath

You've seen the diaper cakes, but have you seen the diaper wreaths?

I used size 2 diapers in case the mom wants to hang it in the nursery for awhile. You could do even larger diapers if you want. You will also need a foam or wire wreath core, those little clear plastic hair ties, lots of ribbon and toys, washcloths, bibs, pacifiers or whatever you want to put on the wreath.

My hubby picked up the wreath for me and it was a little fat so I just trimmed it with a sharp knife.

Open a diaper and wrap around the wreath.

Wrap a plastic tie around it. They are tiny so just wrapping it once is fine.

Repeat this, overlapping each diaper so that there are no gaps. I used around 25 diapers for this size wreath. Fluff out the tops to make it full.


It even looks cute with the Blue's Clues side showing.

Wrap ribbon around it then tie on the toys, etc.
This one was obviously for a boy.

Chocolate Chip Supreme Cookies

We all have a favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that is so easy and melt in your mouth good.
This is not it.
I mean it's definitely delicious but it has a few more ingredients than your basic CC Cookie recipe. But it's really worth it. Trust me. With the nutmeg and cinnamon in it, you will not be able to stop eating the dough.

Chocolate Chip Supreme Cookies (from Southern Living)
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 (3.4-ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tap ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels (I used milk chocolate)
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans (I only used 1 cup - the kids aren't nuts about nuts)
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oats

Beat shortening and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs, beating until blended. Add pudding mix and vanilla; beat until blended.
Combine flour and next 4 ingredients. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in morsels, chopped pecans and oats.
Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls; place on lightly greased baking sheets, and press to 1-inch thickness.
Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.
Yield: 3 dozen (I actually got 4 dozen of the size in the picture)

One Hundred and One Thing To Do With A Really Old Window

A few years ago we came into possession of almost an entire house worth of antique windows. They came from this big charming house on the river. The owners were replacing the windows and sold them to us for $5-$10 apiece, depending on the size. A steal!
(My husband would say, "Yeah, someone please steal the rest of them right out of our attic.")


This window is in it's original form, virtually untouched, with layers of crackling paint. This made the work easier for me. You don't have to distress it if it's already distressed.
Matching the colors in the room, just select a different fabric for each pane (a couple of mine are quilted scraps). Hot glue or staple gun them on the back of the window, nice and tight.


And that's all there is to it. Just hang it up!

It would even be cute with a curtain rod and valance above it if you had a big wall without a real window nearby.
*Just remember if you plan on sanding the original paint off of an old piece, there's a good chance it's lead paint so take the proper precautions.
More window ideas coming soon.

Rolo Cookies

Rolo Cookies
1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
Rolo's
sugar

Mix everything together, except the Rolo's and sugar; the dough will be very thick. For each cookie roll some dough around a Rolo like a ball, then roll it sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350° for about 12 minutes.
Let them cool and then drizzle them with a glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp milk (give or take) and 1/4 tsp vanilla. You can top the glaze with sprinkles...like red and green for Christmas would be pretty...or chopped nuts.

Got Cake?

I have seen this idea in a few different websites/magazines and couldn't wait to try it myself. It's so versatile and way easy.
Here's how you make your own cake stand.

Hit the thrift stores and pick up a plate (the flatter the better) and a sundae cup or candle holder or a goblet or whatever fancies you for this project. You will also need a tube of clear caulk.

Make sure the dishes are clean and dry. Apply the caulk to the bottom of the cup. You don't need a ton, this stuff really holds, but make sure it's enough. You can always wipe off the excess.

Centering it, attach the cup to the bottom of the plate.

Wet Q-tips work great for wiping off the excess caulk.

Now wait until it dries. Be patient, this could take 2-3 days.

The possibilities are endless for this really.
This one was made from a little girls tea set. Cute, huh?


And why stop with glass? Make some colorful plastic ones for a birthday party or some holiday ones would be pretty.
I plan on using mine at a future church function. Can't you just see cute cupcakes displayed on all of them?
Have Fun!!

Eclair Cake

First up - A family favorite. This one is addicting. I think it came from Marilyn. Where it originated, I don't know. Probably heaven. It's that good, not to mention EASY.

Eclair Cake
2 small boxes vanilla pudding
3 cups milk
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 box graham crackers
1 can milk chocolate frosting

Mix pudding and milk until well blended. Let it set for a few minutes until it thickens. Fold in the cool whip. Lightly butter the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Add a layer of graham crackers then a layer of half of the pudding mixture. Add another layer of graham crackers and the other half of the pudding mixture. Top with one more layer of graham crackers. Take the lid and foil off the frosting can and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Spread the frosting over the top layer of graham crackers. Chill at least 2 to 3 hours before serving to give the graham crackers time to soften up.