Advent Celebrations

The origins of the Advent calendar come from German Lutherans who, at least as early as the beginning of the 19th century, would count down the 24 days of Advent physically.

This Hunfeld, Germany City Hall building is turned into an Advent Calendar.

These are the traditional Advent Calendars that are filled with fine German Chocolates that I grew up with...well, there were four children in our family, so we took turns opening the doors. I have three children and every year we purchase a calendar from our Military Commissary for each of our children (the Commissary is like a grocery store, and because we have such a diverse community in the Army they provide many favorites from worldwide locations.)

Tonight I am working on cutting out this Advent Calendar with my Cricut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1clkv6XVm4&feature=player_embedded

Smores Cupcakes

I made a tutorial a while ago with this wonderful creation:

SMORES CUPCAKES

Start by mixing a graham cracker crumb crust

(the typical butter graham crumbs and a bit of sugar).

After it is pressed into your lined muffing tins tip with your favorite chocolate cake recipe.

Bake as you would a cupcake, and top with large marshmallows.

Place under broiler until toasty and golden brown.

Swirl a large amount of Chocolate Buttercream around the toasted marshmallow.

Enjoy!

Side view and with a bit removed. (Thanks to one of my teens!)

Cafe' Haute Couture (Clothing for your Coffee)

I have been working on some gifts, and it was a sweet friends birthday... so I put together some supplies and created

Cafe' Haute Couture line of Clothing for your Coffee

Kinda corny name?! LOL, I'm into cute!

I used an old felted wool blanket that I had dyed for the lining and super cute fabrics for the outer coat.

Printed matching labels.

Used a Starbucks sleeve for the pattern, and Velcro as the closure...

Packaged in a treat bag with matching papers and shreds.

Hoping she LOVED it!

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes

God has blessed me indeed! I have a life full of friends, facebook, homeschooling, crafting projects and a most incredible husband! So I have seemed to forget about blogging, yet I LOVE to read other's blogs. So I am going to try to continue to blog~ mostly because it is a journal of sorts, one that focuses on positive things, thoughts, and projects throughout my days.

PWOC... another military acronym, for Protestant Women of the Chapel. What a huge blessing God has given me in the study and fellowship with other Christ centered women. If you are a military wife, please, please consider going to a PWOC on your base/post. You will connect easily and find quick friendships. No matter where you are in your faith, you will be welcomed!

I found some pictures that I had taken last week or so when I made a breakfast of Cinnamon Bun Pancakes for my family.

Just use your favorite pancake recipe and separate out 1 cup of the batter. To that batter add cinnamon blend and some brown sugar (I love the Pampered Chef Blend), place into a squeeze bottle or a pastry bag and swirl onto the batter. Looks fantastic and tastes wonderful, not to mention the yummy smell!