My Christmas Mantle

Each Christmas (and truthfully each season) the fireplace mantle proves a challenge to me. I can never seem to get it quite the way I envision it. This year was no different and at the end of the Christmas decorating blitz we were faced with a somewhat empty mantle. The candlesticks, small nativity, and owl were perched in their full glory but there was a lot of empty space. I set the concern aside (as part of my "I'm not going to stress over the little things this holiday season" mantra) and went on with my days. As I was going through some favorite blogs during nap time yesterday I came across this post. It is a treasure trove of links to free Christmas/holiday printables. I selected two of my favorites, printed them off and popped them into some frames that I already had and viola....a much more festive and put together Christmas mantle in under 5 minutes and for free. The best part (other than being free) is that hubby really likes this too. He and I differ greatly on home decor.

Another score for us, this past weekend we selected our Christmas tree and strung up the lights and ornaments without any kind of argument! This is the first time in seven years. Perhaps I should keep my mantra going all year long...

A Sweet Painting and a Fond Farewell

I recently received a wonderful gift from Holly. She is such a talented artist. She made this beautiful watercolor with Chelsea's name. In a full circle moment, I had some vintage wallpaper I had purchased from Holly a while back and thought it would make the perfect mat for her darling painting. I got the frame on sale and spray painted it with some paint I had on hand.


It is now hanging in Chelsea's room and she loves to look at it. I do too!

Photo by Sue

On a more somber note, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to Kipper. He was the best friend of one of our own, Ms. Susie Q of Rabbit Run Cottage. Kipper crossed the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week. Sue's Kipper posts always brought a smile to my face. There are some great ones here, here and here.

Cookie Dough Cupcakes

A few weeks ago I was checking out my Facebook newsfeed when I came across Monica's status stating she was making chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes. Immediately I was intrigued and went straight to the link she provided. There I found a new to me blog that immediately captured my attention. Amanda is full of good ideas and I knew I wanted to make these cupcakes asap! Amanda's photos are much better but here is my process starting with the cookie dough balls. These go into the freezer overnight so that they don't bake inside the cupcake. Genius! The dough also does not contain egg so no worries about raw egg contamination.

I took the easy way out and used a chocolate cake mix for the cupcakes. You simply fill the papers and plop a frozen cookie dough ball on top.

I think I put a bit too much batter in my cups as they runeth over but the frosting will fix all that.

Topped with yummy cookie dough frosting - these things are so darn good!

A cross shot of the yummy cookie dough goodness lurking within. For Amanda's full recipe and post - click here.

P.S. My blog is in the process of being spruced up by Lindsey at Sweet Simplicity Designs. What do you think? I'm going to be changing the sidebar content over the next few weeks. I'm really liking the more streamlined look and the non-squished appearance my blog had before.