Hello Mara Kitty

My sweet sweet Mara's 4th birthday is coming up and my house is flooded with pink kitty party projects (say that fast ten times).  I saw these ears on Pinterest and couldn't wait to make them.  There wasn't a tutorial so I plan to post one of my own soon.  I made them with felt, a headband and a hot glue gun.  Super cheap and easy and adorable.  I've said it before and I will say it again.  Pinterest is such an amazing resource and both my girls are so stinkin cute.

Halo inspired Birthday

It's hard to believe that my little Marcus just turned eleven years old.  He's almost a preteen and knows exactly what he likes and doesn't like.  He loves the Halo video game and anything to do with Nerf guns and combat.  I decided to combine all of those things into his one special day.  For those of you not familiar with Halo it's a human alien combat game.  So I wanted to create a kind of space/futuristic/alien/combat feel.  Whew that's a lot of things.  Marcus had a really great time and said he loved the party so really that's all that matters to me.  If other people find some inspiration from it than that's just an extra bonus. 

Happy New Year!

Not your average sparkler.

In Germany we celebrate the New Year with fireworks.  They are everywhere and it's loud and so beautiful to behold. 

I think the sparkler was as big as she was.

 When the clock strikes 12 there is suddenly a display of lights all over the night sky.  It's such an amazing experience that we even let our little ones stay up to share it with us.  What a wonderful way to welcome in the New Year. 

I wish you all a year filled with promise and hope and lots of reasons to celebrate.  

~Sunny~ 

Apple Pie the apple of my eye

So I wanted to talk about Apple pie sometime before Thanksgiving or even Christmas at the latest, but it didn't happen.  I won't make excuses for myself I will just finish up what I started months ago and tell you everything I know about Apple pie.  

Pie Crust

You can't have pie without crust.  Well I guess you can but then it would be called something else, like applesauce or apple crisp or pudding.  For me the crust makes the pie.  It must be light and flaky and buttery. I've tried many different recipes and could never find just the right one so years (many years) ago I decided to make up my own.  I hope this helps you in someway with your pie baking endeavors.  

Merry Christmas

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with family and loved ones and don't forget the milk and cookies for Santa. 

~Sunny~

Eggnog Pancakes

Yet another eggnog recipe to satisfy my eggnog addiction.  I made these the other morning for my kids and they loved them.  They are light and fluffy with a hint of eggnog and just perfect for Christmas breakfast.

Trier Christmas Market

We recently paid a visit to the Trier Christmas market and had a wonderful time.  Trier is a beautiful city rich with history and gorgeous architecture, but what German city isn't. The Christmas market is a good sized one and is only 45 minutes from where we live so it's a must on my Christmas list.

Let it Snow!

Christmas is the time for giving and I'm feeling the Christmas spirit, so here is another freebie.  Snowman and snowflake cupcake toppers and cupcake wrappers. 

My First Feature

Thank you Christine from "Life Happens Love Helps" for interviewing me and allowing me to sponsor a giveaway on her blog.  The blog is in German so my American friends might have to go into Google translate to get an idea of what it's saying.  If you'd like to leave a comment and enter this $20 Giveaway to my shop, Christine speaks perfect English so no worries.  Even if you're not interested in the giveaway you should stop by her blog just to check out her adorable children and beautiful photography.  Thanks again Christine for featuring my shop on your blog. 

Oreo Truffles

I love this recipe.  It's so simple but very dangerous.  These little bites of oreo goodness are very addictive.  I only recommend you make these if you plan to send them or take them somewhere.  Otherwise you will end up eating all of them.  So proceed with caution.

Happy Holidays to all the teachers

Every year I give all of my children's teachers a little something before the winter break. With four children that equates to a multitude of teachers.  I typically do tons of baking and assemble a large container filled with yummy treats.  This year I realized that many parents do the same thing I'm doing and it's better to give a small more personal gift than to shower them with sweets. 

I kept it simple and sweet and yummy.  Just a holiday mug filled with Oreo truffles and a bag of vanilla Chi tea (my new favorite).  I also slid the recipe card in just in case.  It doesn't have to be fancy but it's always nice to let them know how much you care.  

Happy Holidays to all the teachers out there.  I hope you have a relaxing and stress free winter break. 

Free Holiday Gift tags

Here are some free gift tags for any or all of your last minute Christmas presents.  I always run out of labels and I would much rather download them than run back to the crowded stores.  Just down load the pdf file here  and print and cut and voila you've got labels.  Easy peezy, lemon squeezy.

Pumpkin Roll

No Holiday would be complete without a pumpkin roll on the dessert table.  The flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese go together so well. 

Eggnog Fizz

This is a creamy, fizzy, festive drink to start your weekend off right. 

Yes I love eggnog.  I love to cook with it flavor coffee with it and mix drinks with it.  This drink tastes just like it sounds and can be served with our without alcohol.  Just a little something you can throw together this time of year, with seasonal things you probably already have on hand.