Christmas in July Day 1

The Christmas in July sales remind me of Christmas, so I thought I would spice up my July by taking about different things about Christmas. I love Christmas because it reminds me of so many fond memories. I almost feel like a different person during Christmas; I bake more, make more crafts, I like to do things for others, and in general I just feel happy. I decided I would try to capture this Christmas feeling in July so that I could feel that love for more of the year (who knows maybe it will last until Christmas.)

Today I want to talk about two things: a gift given to me and how it became a Christmas cookie for my Christmas 2011 cookie.

My sweet husband David gave me these:

While I love Chocolate so very much, I wanted to share these with my children as well. I was staring at the bag of Hershey's Kisses and noticed a recipe on the back. Fate was on my side because it was a cookie recipe I had always wanted to try. So I recruited my children to help me make them. The recipe is below.

Hershey's Kisses Peanut Butter Blossoms

48 Hershey's Kisses

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons of milk

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

Granulated sugar (for rolling the cookie dough in)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375 degree F. Remove wrappers from the kisses.

2.Beat shortening and peanut butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; beat well.

3. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

4.Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

5.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie; cookie will crack around the edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes 4 dozen.

Here are my cookies:

 

Oh no I'm melting!

Are you hungry for cookies now? I sure am. I will be sharing all kinds of things this month so come back each day.

Question of the day: What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

New Blog Look

Yup it was time for a change. I love the black and red its so fun!

My life is a Zoo

My youngest girlie Anaya had her class field trip to the World Wild Life Zoo recently and I was able to go with her. Here are a few shots from the Zoo.

This is Miss Anaya and I before we left for the Zoo.

Seriously, who doesn't love Meerkats?!

Anaya with the Meerkats.
(It wasn't really bright outside, so I dont know why Anaya is squishing up her face.)

Anaya feeding the giraffes.

Anaya and I looking at the exotic birds.
(Okay. Why is Anaya always making that squishy face?)

Anaya with the sting rays at the aquarium. At first she didn't want to touch the rays, slimy things bother her but she did it and said, "Wow, they're cool."

Miss Anaya with the Penguins.
(Again, what is with my daughter's face?)

Rhinos

Capuchin Monkey


 I fed the sting rays while at the aquarium and I may post those another day but I wanted to share the fun we had.

Scrap Happy Sisters Class in May

Hey I just wanted all of you to know that I am teaching my class to make the tag album (shown below). Here are the details if you are interested.

Class title: Tag you're it!
Class description: Create a tag album that has it's own cute box, to display your photos in a fun and unique way using Bo Bunny Ad lib papers and stickers.

Class Location: 6525 W. Happy Valley Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310 Telephone: 623-376-8257 (call and sign up if you are interested.)
Class Date & Time: Saturday, May 14, 2011, 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Class Cost: $32.00

What to bring: a ruler, a pencil, scissors, a nail file or precision file set, paper trimmer, crop-o-dile or paper piercer, brown ink, and liquid glue.

Cute Punk Alert!

Do you see this cute punk's little face?! This is Corwin. I want to gobble his cheeks up. I want to hug and squeeze this little man. I remember when his mama was pregnant with him. I never got a boy, so I have to live vicariously through my friends. When he was a cute rolly-polly baby I made faces at him and held him while his mama and I were at scrapbook classes. Now he is 3 years old. {gasp} Now he is big and running around like a maniac and driving his mama crazy. And me I am enjoying him through pictures I scrapbook, you know, from afar because its the cleanest safest way I can. I miss you Corwin and your mama too.

Sneak Peak for future class

Here a sneak peak at my next class. I dont have a date for it yet but I will keep you posted.

Valentine's Day Album Class

Make this cute Cuckoo 4 You mini book, a perfect Valentine surprise! Join Me Saturday, February 12th at 4:00 pm. If you are interested in taking the class call the store at (623) 376-8257 to sign up.