Dainty Dollies for Cocoa

They say there is nothing new under the sun but I beg to differ!  Who is the genius who came up with delicate sugar dollies for your cocoa!

I first saw these on etsy and knew I had to have them.  But at aprox. $20+ a dozen, I felt like I couldn't indulge my new obsession.  However, if I could make them myself maybe.......So here is where utube comes in.  A few videos later and an amazon box on my doorstep and I was ready to go.  The mix is a dream to work with and the 7 oz container looks like it will last me a LONG time.  I made a small batch that filled the two molds twice.  Once dried the dollies can be stored in a zip lock bag forever.  They are soft and flexible, not dry and brittle like I imagined them to be.  Really just lovely.

Here is one of the prettiest ones.  The mold has a variety of different dollies including a heart, butterfly, some bows and a number of traditional shapes like the ones I've shown.

Here is one in my hand so you can get an idea of the size of the largest ones.  Now let's talk cost.  For about what a dozen dollies would have cost me with shipping included I was about to get all the supplies for just a little more money.  But I can make hundreds of these little guys with the supplies I've got.  Think how cute these would be for a baby shower or cookie exchange!  I even included a few dollies with some cocoa mix and other goodies in a basket to be auctioned off for a charity. 

These would look great on cookies or cupcakes too.  I have now ordered some larger molds (on sale) to try out on some cakes.

You can get the mix HERE and the mold HERE.

Troyer Home Favorites

Just thought I would let you all know about my new favorite cookbook!  I just got it and already have tried several recipes that have turn out great.  Here is a little background on the author.  Laura Troyer has been a baker since she was a child, growing up in an Amish family that ran a bakery.  As an adult she also ran a very popular bakery not too far from where I live here in Ohio.  Sadly the bakery closed a while ago but she shares many of her recipes in this cookbook!  Love, love, love her thumb print cookies with cream cheese frosting!
 
The cookbook has main dishes, breads, soups, salads and desserts along with some healthy versions of some of her recipes.  You can order it on Amazon HERE.

Flip House Under Contract

Just one week on the market and we have an accepted contract!  Now I know these things sometimes fall out so keep your fingers crossed.

Diana

Non Traditional Christmas Tree

Pinterest is sooo bad.  It shows you pretty things that you become obsessed with and must have!  Such is the case of this years Christmas "tree"

 Saw it on pinterest and showed it to husband.  Husband says he could make it and off to Lowes we go.  Husband spends several evenings in the barn in freezing weather to make and paint it.

 Set it up in living room.  Figure out the wiring.  Then the fun begins.  More trips to the barn to get Dept 56 houses and several hours later............

 I have been collecting these houses for years but displaying them has always been an issue.  They take up so much room.  The collection outgrew the 4 x 8 table I had been using a few years ago.  So the last few Christmas' they didn't get put out.  Made me sad.  But now I have this great 5 tiered tree to put them on with room for more!

 Used a package of batting and one of stuffing too.

 Santa is saved for the top.  Here he is with his reindeer taking off from the north pole.

I guess I would call this a pin win!

Thanks to husband.

Diana

Flip House on Market!!!!!

Yeah!  We finally are done with our flip.  You can see the listing here.

Now comes the wait..........

Flip House Breakfast Room

The other day I showed you pictures of the galley kitchen.  It opens into a pretty nice size breakfast/mudroom with a built in breakfast bar.  We finally got all the molding done and tools cleared out so here is the finish room.

 I love all the cabinets!  I got the stools at Wayfair for a really good price.

 This tall cabinet is a broom closet with lots of storage.

This cabinet has a coat rack and shelves.  Again, lots of storage.

So where do we stand on the overall project?  A few paint touch ups and two thresholds where the wood floors transition to other floors.  Then we are working in the basement for a few days.  Oh, and I have to clean windows and do a lot of dusting.   Then finish staging.  So maybe the house will be on the market in a week if we really push it..  Keep you all posted.

Diana

Want to Change the World?

I've got to tell you about a new way my family is celebrating this holiday season!

Each year we look for some way to bring the light of Christ into Christmas by finding a charity or cause that blesses others.  This year we are going to do a service advent calendar that my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) has made available called.....

.LIGHTtheWORLD

Each day you can find an act of service for that day, starting December 1 (today) through December 25, and also watch a beautiful video available HERE.  You can print out the calendar if you want. The acts of service are based on Jesus Christ's teachings and example.  Today's challenge was

 JESUS LIFTED OTHERS' BURDENS AND SO CAN YOU

(I'll warn you the videos are very touching so have some tissues ready)  You are also given examples of things you could do or choose something you think of yourself.  Either way it is a great way to remind ourselves each day to follow our Savior's example and turn outward during this time when so much emphasis is placed on material things.  It doesn't have to be some huge thing that you do, just a little kindness that lets someone know they are a person of value.  I hope you join the millions of people that will be changing this world, one act of service at a time!