I Heart You Cookies : Anniversary & Giveaway

Today is the one year anniversary of my little blog. These cookies seem very fitting since I heart you guys SO MUCH. Thank you for all your support and wonderful comments throughout the year. I started this as a way to document my crafting madness without realizing how much I would enjoy the interaction with the blogging community.

We made two types of cookies for Valentines. These are for those that prefer a cookie without icing. A simple sugar cookie with an edge in royal icing and some cute little red balls.

And these are also sugar cookies, but they are completely covered in royal icing and decorated with melted chocolate. My daughter is obsessed with the "xoxo" signature at the bottom of the notes I write her, so I thought she would like these.

I wish I could send you each a batch of cookies... but since I can't, how about a giveaway? The lovely people at CSN stores have a surprise for my readers. Please go to my giveaways blog to enter to win a giftcard, you have until Wednesday next week. I'll announce a winner on Thursday February 17th. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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Lollipop Lily

On our way home from school, with just a couple of hours to go before her ballet class, my daughter informed me that she would love to take a treat for her friends. I quickly scrambled around the internet and found this quick and cute last minute treat for Valentines!

If you are a procrastinator like me, feel free to go here for instructions and a free template! They were a hit at ballet and several moms (and the teacher!) asked that I email them the link to the template. I think we are all a bit sick of the pack of identical foil cards with characters on them.

One note, we decided that my daughter would color each lily instead of printing them on colored paper. She had a really good time decorating them and practiced her cutting skills. A win if you ask me!

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure you visit tomorrow... hint, hint.

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Kid's Heart Wreath

My daughter decided she wanted to decorate her door for the holidays, so we came up with a quick craft that not only entertained her but also allowed her to practice some fine motor skills.


If you want to make one you will need: construction paper, a paper plate, pencil, template (cookie cutter), scissors, tape and foam letters (optional).

1. Trace the shape on the construction paper.

At this point you can discuss a good strategy to fit the most shapes per sheet of construction paper. I compared it to putting a puzzle together.

2. Cut out the shapes.

3. Cut out the center of the paper plate.

4. Tape (or glue) the shapes around the plate.

Work on carefully overlapping the shapes alternating colors. This is a good point to talk about patterns.

5. Place foam letters on wreath if desired, not necessary. Make one for a friend, sharing is caring!

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Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Frosting

Run, don't walk to the grocery store to get the ingredients for these cupcakes. From the minute I saw the recipe I knew we would love them, and I wasn't wrong. They are delicious! I am one of those people who doesn't love icing, but this espresso buttercream was to die for! The combination of the coffee and the chocolate does not disappoint.

I made these for a charity auction and was told they (3 dozen) were gone in 5 minutes. We kept a dozen at home and they were gone in less time than that :) I recommend you make the cupcakes the day before you need them and store them in the fridge. Then make the buttercream the day of the event, I had a hard time frosting them with the icing made the day before but not with the fresh batch.

Oh and take my word, make an extra batch than you think you need :) Go here for the recipe and enjoy!

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Banana Bread Love

After years of using this recipe at least once a week, I have now found a better one! It's a subtle difference that will make me add a page to the recipe binder I keep in the kitchen. You know it's a good recipe when it makes it into that binder.

And because baking is one of my favorite ways to show love, this is what my kids brought to brighten their teachers' day on a yucky rainy morning last week.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

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