Crafts

The Party Bunch Link Party // no. 10

0 · Dec 27, 2013 · 6 Comments

The Party Bunch Link Party // Merry Friday!! I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas. We had a nice quiet one at home and had a lovely day. I just love how after the hustle and bustle of the last few months we can take a few days to slow down and just enjoying being together.

Let's see what you guys have been up to…

Amy from The Idea Room, Mique from 30 Handmade Days, Heather from Whipperberry and Desiree from The 36th Avenue want to thank you for partying with us… You guys are the best!

Here are some of our favorites!

Heather’s Favorite

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

at Beyond Frosting!

These look so amazing!

Mique’s Favorite

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge at I Dig Pinterest!

Oh…my…goodness! I love Peppermint! Can’t wait to try this!

Amy’s Favorite

Deer Towel Hook at Rain on a Tin Roof.

This is a great tutorial and such an easy project!

Desiree’s Favorite

Gilded Paper Balls at Architecture of a Mom!

I love a great paper craft project!!

Thank you so much ladies for all of these adorable Christmas diy projects!

We hope you take a minute and button up here!

Also we want to invite you to click here and follow

The Party Bunch Favorites on Pinterest.

We are also featuring more of our favorite projects and recipes from the link party on this board!

TPB Party Bunch Link Up... Every Friday to Sunday link up your projects over at theidearoom.net , thirtyhandmadedays.com , whipperberry.com or the36thavenue.com Four bloggers = ONE BIG PARTY! We can't wait to see your projects!

Here are a few things to remember before you link up!

Please make sure to share the love and grab a button here to let your readers know that you linked up with us!
By linking up with The Party Bunch, you are giving permission to any of us to feature your projects and recipes on our social media with a link back to you.

An InLinkz Link-up

Simple Taco Hand Pies Recipe

761 · Dec 23, 2013 ·

Holiday entertaining can be a little overwhelming. Especially when you are hosting family or friends for several days. You can’t have a Turkey with all the fixin’s at every meal. That would be way to much work, not to mention hard on the wallet. You need to have a few simple meal options that are quick and still fun for the whole family. This recipe is one that everyone can chip in and help make PLUS my family LOVES them!

Jump to Recipe

Who doesn’t love tacos? With this fun spin on a simple classic recipe, your gathering is sure to be a hit. You can serve taco hand pies as the main dish or make them a little smaller and use as an appetizer for a cocktail party. They are so versatile. Here is how you make them.

Ohhhh doesn’t that look tasty? Now you can serve with sour cream, salsa and any other taco fixin’s you can think of.

Now, this is the perfect, easy, crowd-pleasing meal to have on hand when you have company in town. The lovely folks at Kraft® are making it even easier on your wallet this holiday season at Target…

From shopping for gifts to planning family dinners, it’s hard to keep up with all your holiday to-dos. This year, Kraft is helping out with great weeknight meals and entertaining ideas to make the season a little bit easier. Plus, Kraft is offering up to $20 in coupons, redeemable exclusively at Target, to make food shopping easier and to help you have a happy holiday season.

Taco Hand Pies

Who doesn’t love tacos? With this fun spin on a simple classic recipe your gathering is sure to be a hit. You can serve taco hand pies as the main dish or make them a little smaller and use as an appetizer for a cocktail party. They are so versatile. Here is how you make them.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 5 Servings

Ingredients

1 tbsn Olive Oil
1 Sweet Onion
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 packet Taco Seasoning
1 can fat free refried beans
1 can black beans
1 can drained corn
1 pack Kraft Finely Shreeded Cheese
2 cans Pillsbury Corn Buscuits
1 egg beaten

Instructions

First, you will need to cut your onion into strips. I cut my onion in half and then cut into strips. In a large skillet add the olive oil and place over a medium high heat. Once the oil is hot add your onions and sauteé for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add your ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper. Break-up the ground beef into small pieces and brown. Once the meat has browned, remove excess grease with a spoon and discard. Stir in the taco seasoning over medium heat.
Add the refried beans, black beans and corn. Let this mixture come to temperature and the remove from heat.
Lightly flour a clean dry surface and roll out your first corn biscuit. Place about a 1/4 to a 1/3 of a cup of the taco meat mixture in on the rolled out biscuit and top with a generous helping of Kraft® Shredded Cheese.
Then with a pastry brush, brush on a bit of egg wash along the edge of the biscuit dough. Fold over and seal with a fork.
Place on a baking sheet and brush the top of the hand pies with the egg wash. Repeat with remaining biscuits.
Bake in a 350˚ oven for 14-15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Keyword Taco Hand Pies

Three Santa Approved Cookie Recipes and a For Santa Printable Sign

1 · Dec 22, 2013 · 2 Comments

This post brought to you by Pillsbury // It’s almost time my friends… We’ve worked on making goodies for our family and friends and now it’s time to make some cookies for the big guy himself! While you’re planning your cookie-baking day with the kiddos — and maybe even coordinating fun touches like classic bistro aprons for front-of-house teams to bring a cheerful, coordinated vibe to your holiday hosting — we’ve got THREE Santa-approved cookie recipes for you.

The kiddos and I have come up with three Santa Approved cookie recipes that are for sure going to be a hit with the big guy and anyone else who has a chance to give them a try. They are so easy to make, they will be a perfect way to bake with the little ones in your life.

On the top left spot we have a fabulous Chocolate Candy Cane Cookie. Top right, we have a Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookie and in the bottom spot, a bit of Egg Nog heaven… Little Egg Nog Bites. Each one of these cookies are high on Santa’s favorite flavors list, so… They should be a big hit! Here are the recipes and a bonus printable For Santa printable sign!

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

1 box of Pillsbury Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Mix

1 stick of softened butter

1 egg

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1 container Creamy Supreme® Peppermint Frosting

1 container Holiday Funfetti® Rudolph Red Vanilla

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, mix the Peppermint Cookie Mix according to package directions. Add chocolate chips and 1/2 of the peppermint candy bits and combine. Scoop into 2 inch size balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in a 350˚ oven for 11 minutes. Remove from oven let cool on pan for one minute and then transfer to a cooling rack.

Once they are completely cool they are ready to decorate. Place the Peppermint Frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds and pour into a Ziploc bag. Cut a SMALL hole in the corner of the bag and drizzle the frosting over the cookies. Repeat with the red frosting. Sprinkle with the remaining peppermint candy bits. Yields 12-14 cookies.

Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Recipe

1 box of Pillsbury Dark Chocolate Cake Mix

1/4 cup canola oil

2 eggs

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1 cup powdered sugar

Directions

In a large bowl combine cake mix, oil, eggs & chocolate chips. Scoop into 2 inch size ball and roll in powdered sugar.

Cover with the powdered sugar and place on a baking sheet.

Bake at 350˚ for 11 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet and then place on a cooling rack to cool completely. Yields 14-16 cookies.

Little Egg Nog Bites Recipe

1 box of Pillsbury Traditional Sugar Cookie Mix

1 stick of softened butter

1 egg

2 teaspoons rum extract

1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg

2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

1 cup sugar

Directions

In a large bowl combine cookie mix, butter, egg, rum extract, 1/4 a teaspoon of nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.

In a small bowl combine the sugar and remaining nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice, mix well.

Roll cookie dough into 1 inch size balls and roll in spiced sugar mixture. Place on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350˚ oven for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for one minute then transfer to cooking rack to cool completely. Yields 24-30 small cookies.

Free “For Santa” Printable Sign

Now, you need to have a nice sign to label Santa’s cookies! I have created a simple one for you to use. All you need to do is click on this link and down load the PDF file. The directions are on the printable sheet.

For Santa Printable Sign

Now, you should be all set… You have three different fabulous and easy cookie recipes and a printable sign for Santa. You will for sure be on his Nice List this year!!

Disclaimer // I am on the Pillsbury Celebrations Starter crew and have received product and compensation for this post. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are 100% my own. ©/® The J.M. Smucker Company. Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, LLC, used under license.

Faux Fireplace // Turn a Cork Board into a Chalkboard

15 · Dec 20, 2013 · 3 Comments

The post brought to you by DecoArt // We have moved TWICE in the last year. Yea, good times! Along with new homes, we have also become renters for the first time ever. We decided that when we moved the family to Nebraska that we weren't in a huge hurry to buy a new place. We wanted to rent for a while to see if the Cornhusker state stuck, 'cause… You never know. To be honest, I'm kind of loving renting right now. If something breaks, I don't have to figure out how to fix-it… I have a lovely landlord who takes care of it. One thing I don't like, being stuck with less than ideal style choices in the house.

We were super excited to have a fireplace and a mantel for the first time in a while. However, our landlord had recently added a weird fake electric fire insert to the fireplace and totally ruined the whole look and feel of the thing. I scratched my head trying to figure out how to still decorate the fireplace without the dorky insert killing the whole effect. I decided to cover it with a chalkboard and create my own faux fireplace!

Now, of course I can't find a chalkboard that will fit just right for the size and shape that I was looking for, but that's NO PROBLEM with the Americana Chalkboard paint from DecoArt. You can make ANYTHING into a chalkboard!

I found a cork board at Target that was perfect. The size, the shape and even the frame were perfect… The question, how well will cork work as a chalkboard? The answer, amazingly well! Here is how I made it…

Supplies

Cork board

Americana Chalkboard paint – Black

Americana Multi-Surface Satin – Black

Sponge roller

Sponge brush

Chalk

Pencil sharpener

Directions

Now, this is the easiest pant project EVER!! Take your cork board and lay on a flat surface. Gather your supplies…

Start with the Mulit-Surface satin. You don't even need a paint bowl, just pour a bit of paint on the board and roll-out. Cover the whole cork board…

I used my foam brush to do the edging. Once that paint was dry, (it only took about 20-30 minutes) I repeated the process with the Americana Chalkboard Paint. I made sure the whole board was covered and then let it dry.

Now this is the hard part… Even though the paint is dry, you need to wait for two days before you season your chalkboard. Your paint needs time to cure and to fully set, so give it time to do just that. After two days, you then need to season your chalkboard.

What is seasoning? When you use a chalkboard, you don't want to have ghost images left behind when you erase them. If you draw or write on a chalkboard before it has been seasoned little particles of chalk will fill in what ever holes are in the board. Little minuscule holes that you can't see, but the chalk undoubtedly will find, move in and never leave! In order to avoid that, you rub chalk all over the board and "season" it. That way you fill in any possible holes before you write on it and thus prevent any ghost images left behind.

Place the piece of chalk on it's side and rub all over the board. Then with a paper towel, rub the chalk into the board.

Now, your chalkboard is ready to use. I commissioned my talented daughter Hannah to draw a fire for me. She has WAY more talent than I have when it comes to that kind of work.

Then all I had to do was place it in front of the fireplace insert and voilá the problem was solved! Now, I have a cute fireplace that I can finally dress up!

I placed a few birch logs that I bought at Michaels in front to add to the illusion. I think it turned out super CUTE!!

The "May your Days be Merry & Bright" hand painted sign was created by At Home with K, she is a local artist here in Lincoln and her work is SUPER CUTE!! You should check her out.

I made the stockings myself and even though it's a little late for this year, I will post a tutorial and you can save it for next year if you are interested. They turned out super fun and you won't believe what I made them out of.

Disclaimer // I am part of the DecoArt Core Blogger Group. I received product and payment for this post.

Bringing Home the Magic of the Holidays with Glade

0 · Dec 20, 2013 ·

Ahhhh, there is nothing like the magic of the holidays. It’s that wonderful time of year when we have the chance to create festive gatherings for our family and friends. To some that is a daunting chore, to other’s it’s a relished challenge. I have been hosting holiday gatherings big and small for several years now and I loved creating a magical event for my guests.

When I set about to plan a gathering, I try and find something simple to use as my inspiration. So much of the holidays envelope each of the senses and even the simple sight of white Christmas lights, the smell of gingerbread or the cold brush of fresh snow can inspire a special event.

Think back, back when you were a child… What are some of the sights, sounds and smells that you remember from around the holidays? I even have a sweet touch memory that will instantly take me back to those innocent days. I remember every year when we would unpack my Christmas stocking. It was a handmade knit stocking with Santa’s face on the side and my name knit in the cuff of the stocking. It always made me feel so special. The woman who made the stocking used a special yarn for Santa’s beard and it really looked like his beard. It was so soft, I loved to sit and run my little fingers through his soft beard and dream of what goodies he would bring to me soon. I think if you take a minute to think back, you can find these little memory gems that can help inspire your gathering.

I love trying to tantalize each of the senses when I plan a gathering and I am endless inspired by those who share their talents. Visiting some of these sites are sure to inspire any holiday gathering…

img source // snowflake cookies from baker lady

It would be so fun to plan a whole party just around these cookies!

I would dress my table and room just like Shelley from House of Smiths…

img source // woodsy winter wonderland from the house of smiths

I would plan a rustic yet simple meal and have fun whimsical desserts that take everyone back to their childhood like these Hot Cocoa Cakes along with jars and jars filled with those beautiful snowflake cookies to cap off the night…

img source // hot cocoa cakes from coordinating yours

Now what makes a gathering extra special is the attention to detail. I would have a Glade® Pure Vanilla Joy candles from their new Winter Collection, exclusively at Target, lit all though out our party space.

That way my guest will be transported back to their grandmother’s or Mom’s kitchen the minute they walk into my home. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the holiday season with close family and friends.

The Glade® Winter Collection would be a wonderful way to bring those special holiday aromas into your home. You’ll have to visit your local Target to select your favorite. They have several fragrances that will for sure take you back to happy holiday memories like; Apple Cinnamon Cheer™, Frosted Berry Kiss, Sweet Holiday Treat™, Merry Maple Morning, Ginger Bread Jingle and several more.

What scent inspires you? How do you like to plan your holiday entertaining?

Get festive this holiday season with the Glade® Limited Edition Winter Collection available exclusively at Target. Inspired by the best feelings of the season, the Glade® Sweet Holiday Treat™ scent lets you indulge in the irresistible scent of rich cocoa, toasted nuts, and creamy caramel. The 2013 Glade® Limited Edition Winter Collection was inspired by the nostalgic, spontaneous, snowy, moments that build up to the holidays. Creating memories with loved ones defines the season and the holiday lineup from Glade® is just as memorable.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Glade®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Crafts

Taco Hand Pies

Ingredients

Instructions

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

Directions

Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Recipe

Directions

Little Egg Nog Bites Recipe

Directions

Free “For Santa” Printable Sign

Supplies

Directions

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