Christmas burlap wreath

I have been wanting to try a burlap wreath for a while now... And in fact bought all of these supplies last December. Had I known just how quick and easy this would be, I would have done it much sooner!

Inspiration from here...

http://pinterest.com/pin/221239400420489834/

Although the result is not perfect, it is a good first effort. Plenty of burlap left over to try another one sometime!

Winter Wreath

Making wreaths is one of my new favorite craft activities.  I made one for fall, spring, and football season... over the course of the last 12-15 months... and although I managed to skip right over Christmas (maybe I'll have time to do that in August), tonight I made a winter wreath.  I had been intrigued by the tulle wreaths on pinterest and thought it would be fun to try one in winter colors. Silver and white, to be exact!

Inspiration came from here...

It was very easy to do.  The most time-consuming part was cutting the tulle.  And although some blogs recommended folding the tulle in half and looping it through itself, I found that it wouldn't stay put like that.  I went with tying knots.  

Think I'll leave the (store-bought) Christmas wreath up for a few more days before I switch it out for this one..

M & M cheesecake bars

I had my family over for dinner tonight and wanted to try a new dessert. I have no idea what makes these Weight Watchers friendly... And haven't figured out the points or the calories. But they were tasty! If you like cheesecake and like M & M's, it's a win win!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bars

I am a lover of all things pumpkin. Well, except pumpkin pie, but that's another story for another day. 

This is a "lightened" dessert... When you cut it into 24 servings, only 115 calories per serving!

Idea came from here...

http://pinterest.com/pin/221239400417909876/

I will say that it definitely turns out more like "cake" than "bars." But still tastes good!

I don't think there's anything I would change next time around. This is an easy recipe to make and doesn't take long. 

I took this pan to a meeting at church and the overall vote was that the bars/cake/whatever tasted good! Give it a try!

Ritz Rolos

What could be better than sweet and salty.... Rolos and Ritz crackers... Baked in the oven?

We tried this on vacation this summer and were not to be disappointed. I have three nephews (plus other family members) who will vouch for the deliciousness!

Directions here...

http://pinterest.com/pin/221239400417496363/

Before baking

Watching and waiting...

Topping them off

Three thumbs up!

Microwave corn on the cob??

I had heard about this several times - especially this summer - but didn't try it until this past week. The instructions can be found here...

http://pinterest.com/pin/379991287280506197/

And here is your step by step in pictures:

Put corn in microwave, husk and all. 

Four minutes per ear...

Remove with hot pads and cut off end without silks.

Grab silk end and let corn slide out.

Silk free!

I have to admit that this method made the corn a little bit crunchier than when it's boiled. But it's much easier than husking and tasted great!

Football time!

I was ready for a new wreath on my front door. I have football on the mind - specifically Colts and Michigan State. I have always loved the look of these ribbon wreaths so I gave it a try. Here's the link that inspired me...

http://pinterest.com/pin/221239400417851946/

And here's my end result!

I may still add logos for the two teams. Or I may leave it as is. Either way, this was fun and easy to make!