crafty Christmas.

Because who doesn't want to save money around the holidays. I had a party to get ready for, but needed to make sure everything was festive enough!

As I went to put silverware out I realized I didn't have anything to put it all in. So I went to my pantry that has just a few containers.

As I stood in my pantry, I saw the coffee jar and realized it would be perfect to hold my silverware, but I had to figure out how to cover it. Then it came to me! I had a whole thing of multi-colored yarn... perfection. So I took taped the yarn to the bottom rim and started wrapping the can. Simple and cheap.

The yarn was originally purchased for my Christmas cards. I already had mini clothes pins that my step mom had bought me years ago, but need string of some sort to hang the cards. While at Wal-Mart I came this yarn. And this is what I created...

Lastly, what Christmas is complete without Christmas trees? I got this great idea from Pinterest and then made it my own. All you need is a solo cup, paper, tissue paper, glitter, rubber cement and a hot glue gun{for the red tree}.

Nothing special, but I definitely enjoyed making some of my decorations versus buying them all! I hope you are inspired to do the same next year or maybe even last minute this year!

the party.

I hope this is a tradition I can continue. I really enjoyed cooking for some of my favorites and having people over. It was a wonderful night and really put me in the Christmas spirit!!

{I somehow managed to never put anything on the noel platter, haha}

{ yum, yum}

{new runner compliments of World Market and the pup}

{ my entrance and handmade trees}

 {centerpiece}

{marshmallows in a container for the hot cocoa}

{the remains of the party... I am being lazy}

a few sweets.

{a new tradition}

Peppermint Bark. It's a must try.

All you need is vanilla baking chips {24 oz.}, box of off brand chex cereal {13 oz.} and a box of candy canes. Melt the vanilla chips, mix in the peppermints and pour over cereal. I like it better than puppy chow/white trash or whatever name you might have for a chocolaty version!

{an old tradition}

I was lazy today and used Betty Crocker's sugar cookie mix, but what I want to share is my icing recipe. It's one my step mom has always used and I just know you will love it!

Mix together powder sugar, milk, food coloring {of your choice} AND a splash of almond extract. The almond extract is the key and makes all the difference.  Use varying amounts on above ingredients based on how thick or runny you want your icing.

I hope you love these both as much as I do!

Buffalo Chicken Bites

I got these from Pinterest and just had to try them out. These buffalo chicken bites reminded me of a wonderful dip I have made in the past, but with fewer ingredients.

What you need:

• 3 chicken breast {cooked and shredded}
• 1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 oz. of cream cheese {I used light cream cheese}
• 1 cup of flour
• 3 eggs
• 5 cups corn flakes {I used off brand and was extremely happy}

The recipe called for green onions, but that tends to be a food that not everyone like so I left them out. I am preparing these for a Christmas Party and wanted to make sure I would have items everyone could enjoy.

1. In a medium pan put chicken breast and cover with water. Cook through and then shred.

2. Mix together the chicken and both cheeses {and green onions, if you like}.

3. In three separate bowls put flour, eggs and crushed corn flakes {1 item per bowl}.

4. Roll chicken mixture into balls and in them dip in flour first, then eggs and lastly the cereal. 

Because I am preparing these ahead of time I flash freeze them for 20 minutes. When I do cook them it will be for 25 minutes at 350.

Sausage Balls {with a twist}.

Because you can't have a holiday party without them. 

This year I tried a new concoction and I wanted to share it with you, because they tasted very yummy!!

What you need:

• 1 lb. hot sausage
• 1 lb. mild sausage
• 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
• tablespoon of brown sugar
• 2 oz. of cream cheese

1. I cooked the sausage first. I did this for two reasons. First I wanted to be able to drain off the extra fat, but I also wanted to be able to freeze them and easier to serve on the day of the party.

2. Drain the sausage and put in large bowl. Add all the ingredients and mix together. 

3. Take a cookie scoop/hands and makes mixture into balls and place on baking pan. 

4. I then flash freeze for 20 minutes and place in gallon bag.

5. To serve cook for 20 minutes at 375.

Enjoy!!

Goodwill finds.

To say I am thrifty is a complete understatement. I absolutely cringe anytime I spend more than$20 at a time{it most definitely pains me}, but all that being said I get equally excited about a great deal!

And this is exactly what I found last night at Goodwill. Let me just show you:



                      

                        {Vase $2.99} I just added some pine cones, ornaments I wasn't using and my attempt at a bow.





I just couldn't refuse this lil' guy for $.049





{basket $1.99} filled with ornaments I wasn't using.





I have been so focused on my my apartment "perfect" that I refused to do any thrift store shopping! I should know that's where it is at!! 

I'll keep you updated on my improvements.