Lucy Little Flower Dress

When I saw this dress on Pinterest I knew I wanted to make it for someone.  The pattern itself cost me $5, but the money also goes to a good cause.  I decided to make it for one of my nieces for Christmas.

http://createhopedesigns.bigcartel.com/product/lucy-s-little-flower-tunic-dress

I made the 12-18 month size and I love how it turned out.  Since it's winter I added a long sleeve onesie underneath.  It's a fairly fast sew and would have been even faster had my kids not needed any attention! :)  The neck and arms are done with elastic thread.  I can't wait until my little one is old enough to start making her some.  I don't have anyone this size to try it on, so you get a picture of it laying down.  I can't wait to see it on my niece though.

Stained Glass Cookies

I haven't pinned this recipe (don't know how yet!) but I soon will.  My kids and I learned to do these years ago from my cousin and we decided to try them with grandkids this year.  They were fun and turned out cute! 

Dough:

4  eggs

3 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

4 c. flour

Candy:

3 c. sugar

1/2 c. karo syrup

3/4 c. water

add food coloring for desired color.

Boil to 290 degrees (just past soft crack).

Pour onto foil.  Break into small pieces when cool and store in containers

Trace pattern onto foil.  Put foil on cookie sheet.  Roll dough into long skinny snakes to outline design.  Make sure to pinch dough together where it starts and stops.  Bake at 350 for 5 minutes.  Let cool and then fill with heaping amounts of candy.  Cook 3-5 more minutes at 350 until candy has all melted.  Let cool completely possibly overnight.  Use heated ice pick or nail to put a hole in the corner for hanging ribbon through.

Hang and enjoy!

Cinnamon Ornaments

My kids have their own Christmas tree that they decorate themselves.  One of our advent activities was to make Christmas ornaments for the tree.  I decided on cinnamon ornaments.  I had pinned the recipe and we got to work.  I combined a couple different recipes.  One from Martha Stewart and one from McCormick.  It makes your house smell heavenly. I cooked them in the oven for 2 1/2 hours on 250.  We decorated them with glitter glue the next day.  The kids had a absolute blast!!