Saint Patrick's Day

Top O' the Mornin to Ya!!

Happy Saint Patty's Day!!

Usually for St. Patrick's Day I buy my Mom Irish Potatoes.

I myself have never tried one but the other day I found a recipe and I thought that I would try making them with the kiddies!!

Recipe:

1/2 stick of butter softened

1/2 brick of cream cheese softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups confectioners sugar

2 1/2 cups sweetened coconut

2 Tablespoons cinnamon

Beat together butter and cream cheese. Slowly add the confectioners sugar.

Add the vanilla.

Add the coconut and mix until combined.

Roll the coconut mixture into a ball.

Roll the coconut mixture into the cinnamon and put on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Keep the Irish Potatoes in the fridge.

The finished product...

Of course I had to try the Irish Potatoes after all we made them.

My first bite, I was like OH MY too much cinnamon!!! I shook some off and then I liked it because I had the sweetness of the inside.

Ballerina had the same re-action and decided not to eat the rest of the Irish Potato.

Speed Racer loved it and continued to get Ballerina's.

Speed Racer was a little concerned because tomorrow Pops (my Dad) is coming over and he likes sweets. Speed Racer thought that Pops would eat them all up. I informed Speed Racer Pops does not like coconut so the Irish Potatoes are safe!!! (The worries of a 4 year old) I think Speed Racer did a Irish Jig!!! (However, the jelly beans in the background are a different story).

The Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Red Bliss Potatoes are in the Crock Pot and we are off to a flower show and if the kids are good I will treat them to a Shamrock Shake!!

Shhhhh don't tell the kids!!

Crafty Christmas Part 2

Sometime in December I posted  that I felt like the crazy Aunt from "A Christmas Story" who made Ralphie the pink rabbit PJ's. I told you that I would share with you what I made for the sweet little kiddies in our life.

So here is goes....

Last year during the after Christmas sale at Target there was a snowman kit on clearance. The kit was opened and I think some parts were missing. All spring and summer long I thought about this great kit and sometime around Halloween I decided to make the kit for us, our nieces, and cousin.

While making the snowman kit I realized that this is not just a gift for the kids but also for their parents. I am very big on family focused activities so I thought that this would be a great gift for the WHOLE family.

I made the hat and scarf all by myself. The eyes are googly eyes-I didn't realized that they made those eyes that big. Pictured here is an actual carrot but in the kits I made for everyone I made a carrot from felt. The mouth is rocks from the yard. I had the kids paint the rocks. After they painted the rocks I spent two hours recovering my dining room chairs. (Such as life) I added the buttons for some color. I did add a corn cob pipe too, I just need to find mine.

The scarf is made from fleece. A week after I made the scarves Old Navy had their fleece scarves on sale for $1.00. Oh well...I enjoyed making them!!!

I think I need to touch up the mouth!!!

I am so PROUD of the hats I made!! I think for a novice sewer I did a pretty good job.

I packaged the kits in a coffee tin that I painted white and added a snowman face. Of course I forgot to take a picture of that. I will be making one soon for my family!!!

In the package was also a sled, hat and gloves. There was also a little gift for the parents too. (They need to warm up after playing in the snow) I also gave this gift to some other family members.

Hot Chocolate, Wafers, and Homemade Marshmallows.

I have gotten so many compliments about the Hot Chocolate I thought I would share the recipe.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 Cups of Sugar

2 1/4 Cups of Cocoa (I used Hershey's- is there any other chocolate?)

1 Tablespoon of Table Salt

In a large bowl combine all ingredients; Whisk together well.

Funnel into an air tight container - How is that for quick and simple!

For individual hot chocolate servings:

Fill a microwavable mug with one cup of whole milk. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. If needed, microwave at additional 15 second intervals, until desired temperature is reached. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix, stir to dissolve, and top with homemade marshmallows.

For a larger batch of hot chocolate:

Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat; taking care not to let the milk boil as it warms. Stir in 2 tablespoons of mix for each cup of milk. Top with homemade marshmallows.

I really enjoyed making holiday gifts. I know that it's nice to get gifts and gift cards but I think it's great to get gifts made with LOVE!!!

If you are interested in any of these kits please let me know I would be more then happy to make you one!!!

I can't wait to use our snowman kit!!



I plan to make more marshmallows this coming week so I will make a tutorial for you and then share the recipe!!

Good Bye Hanukkah

Sorry for the lack of posts during Hanukkah but, something about Hanukkah brought out the little monsters in our kids.

My Hanukkah Decorations!!

This is the only time you will see me decorating with this color blue.

Our lovely menorah which I just remembered I forgot to clean before I packed it up for next year!!

I am so happy that they have more decorations for Hanukkah unlike when I was growing up.

On the First Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids flannel sheet set, DVD movie, and a holiday book. The kids also got winter coats and some toys.

On the Second Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids a snowman fleece blanket, Olivia doll and books for Ballerina, Toy Story Dolls and books for Speed Racer.

On the Third Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids winter boots and walkie talkies.

On the Fourth Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids games, necklace, and a watch.

On the Fifth Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids Toy Story Three DVD and toys, plus breakfast with the gang from Sesame Street.

On the Sixth Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids pajamas and slippers.

On the Seventh Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids a sled, hats, and gloves.

On the Eightth Night of Hanukkah Harry brought to the kids Leap Frog TAG system.

We also did some traditional Hanukkah activites.

We made potato latkas, played dreidel, colored Hanukkah pictures, and made Star of David garland.

So Tommy and I decided that next year we need to make things simple for the kids. We decided that next we will do the traditional lighting of the menorah and then as a family we will do some good deeds.

The kids will then get a few presents on the 8th night of Hanukkah.

We have put all of our Hanukkah decorations away and started decorating for winter.

I hope to post some pictures tomorrow of our winter decorations.