Well, I finally got caught up on episodes 5 and 6 of the TLC Show Risking It All, which began airing in early November. These episodes marked the mid-season finale of the first season and closed the chapter on all three families. I have to say I was rather surprised at how it ended! We'll take a look at what happened with each of the three families first. As a warning, for those of you who haven't actually seen the ending yet, there will be spoilers! Read at your own risk. The ... [ Read More ]
8 New Year’s Eve Traditions
Tonight is the last night of 2014, and around the world, tons of traditions will be embraced in force in the hopes of bringing a prosperous and wonderful 2015. If you're looking for something fun to add to your New Year's Eve, check out these traditions from around the country and the world: 1. First-footing - Scotland Be the first to step across a friend or neighbor's threshold, and bring with you gifts such as a coin for prosperity, bread to always have food at the house, salt for flavor, ... [ Read More ]
Throw a New Year’s Eve Party on a Budget
Now that Christmas is over and done, it's time to star thinking about New Year's Eve! But don't worry--if your budget is a little tight from all of the Christmas shopping, I have some tips for throwing a fun and memorable party without having to break the bank. 1. DIY Decorations - One of the great things about New Years is that there isn't really a theme that you have to stick to, so depending on what kind of party you want, you can easily create your own New Year's Eve decorations! If you're ... [ Read More ]
Christmas Leftover Ideas
The presents have been opened and exclaimed over, the guests are gone and the dinner is over, and the host of the most wonderful time of the year is sometimes left with a ridiculous amount of leftovers. If you find yourself in this boat, don't fret! There are tons of things you can do with your Christmas leftovers, and with a little ingenuity, no one will guess that they're actually eating leftovers! Some of the recipes even will use more than one ingredient, depending on what you made for ... [ Read More ]
Merry Christmas!
Well, we're only a day away from Christmas! Is your family chomping at the bit to open presents yet? I know mine is. I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful old-fashioned Christmas full of laughter, smiles and great food! Be sure to check back after Christmas for some ideas on what to do with the mountain of Christmas dinner leftovers you'll probably have left! ... [ Read More ]
Melted Snowman Ornament DIY
I know Christmas is almost here, but I wanted to do one last craft post before the big day arrives! These adorable little guys spent way too much time enjoying all of the sunshine we've been getting down here but even melted, they're awfully cute! Here's what you'll need to make one of these ornaments for yourself: Clear plastic or glass ornament - you can buy these at most craft stores around the holidays 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar or salt 2 - 3 T white glitter funnel that fits your ... [ Read More ]
Christmas Crafts: Dough Ornaments
I know Christmas is almost here, but if you're looking for some good old-fashioned fun for the kiddos and maybe the start of a pre-Christmas tradition, why not make some of your own ornaments? They could even make sweet gifts for neighbors, friends and family members! Here are three different kids of homemade dough perfect for ornaments: ... [ Read More ]
Risking it All Recap: Episode 4
TLC's new show "Risking It All" is a sort of reality television show following the journeys of three families as they move away from their tech-embedded lives to live 'off the grid' out in the middle of nowhere. All three families have several children and their own reasons for moving. The show is on TLC every Tuesday at 10/9 Central. Until I can get my cable set up, I'm going to be a week behind the actual airing of the episodes. So, for those of you who DO have cable, I'm going to do a brief ... [ Read More ]
10 Cookie Gift Wrapping Ideas
Giving someone cookies as a gift can be a sweet, inexpensive and old-fashioned way to show that you care. So here are 10 ways to make your cookie gift look as fantastic as it will taste! ... [ Read More ]
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
I love a good old-fashioned big Christmas morning breakfast just as much as anyone, but that doesn't mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying their Christmas gifts. Here is one of my favorite recipes for an overnight breakfast casserole. Make it on Christmas Eve before everyone goes to bed, and then just pop it in the oven in the morning! Overnight Breakfast Casserole Print Prep time 20 mins Cook time 1 hour Total time 1 hour 20 mins ... [ Read More ]