SOFT N PLUMPY SUGAR COOKIES

This recipe rocks and is the only one I use!!

**Don't roll your dough out too this and don't overbake...for soft plumpy cookies!!

INGREDIENTS
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla and sour cream until well blended. Stir in the sifted ingredients. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill overnight.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Use your favorite frosting...we like cream cheese frosting best tho!!!

Cream Cheese Frosting
INGREDIENTS
6 tablespoons cream cheese
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and spread on cooled bars or cookies.

Easy Applique Method

Adorning oneis, tee's, backpacks or Christmas stockings with a simple applique is an easy way to make the simple and inexpensive look designer and expensive. This method is not only very easy for the beginner, but will last as the edges are finished not just applied with fusable web.

1. Begin with the exact pattern and a lightweight interfacing. Trace the pattern (the traced line will also be the stitch line) on to the interfacing, in this case we are doing a star.

2. Cut out the interfacing leaving at least a 1/4 inch from the traced line. Now here is the trick! Cut a hole inside the traced lines. Don't worry... you'll never see this in the finished product.

3. Pin the traced interfacing to your chosen fabric. Sew all the way around on the traced line, do not leave a space for turning! Remember to backstitch to start and finish your seam.

4. Trim to 1/4 inch from the sewn line. For sharp corners, clip the excess fabric at the points and make a small clip all the way to the stitch line on the inside corners being careful not to trip the thread. Now turn it right side out through that hole you previously made.

5. Poke out the points. Use any pointed item on hand, mechanical pencil with no lead showing, knitting needle, paint brush handle, just be careful not to poke through your fabric.

6. Lastly, iron your item flat & Viola! Now you can either hand or machine applique it on to your project!

Crayon Roll Tutorial

Crayon Rolls are the perfect gift for so many ages and so easy to personalize with a favorite character or color.

What you will need:

¼ yd print fabric

¼ yd coordinating fabric (for the inside)

thread

Pen Quilting or chalk

Ruler

How to:

1. cut out a 6” x 16 ½” rectangle and a 5” x 16 ½” rectangle from the print fabric and then a second 5 x 16 ½” rectangle from the coordinating fabric (inside fabric)

2. Set the two 5 x 16 ½” rectangles to the side. Fold the 6” rectangle in half and sew long ends together to hold in place. You now have a 3" x 16 1/2" rectangle.

3. Mark 17 lines ¾” apart on the folded rectangle. These mark the stitch line for the crayon pockets.

4. Placed the folded and marked print fabric onto the coordinating fabric matching one long edge and ends as below, pin in place.

5. Stitch along marks reinforcing ends of each line.

6. Place last rectangle on top of the others with right sides together and stitch around 3 sides leaving one short edge open for turning.

7. Take a business car and cut the top off at an angle to make an arrow shape. Cut 1 arrow of print fabric and 1 of the coordinating fabric.

8. stitch right sides together, turn rightside out and press flat. Set aside.

9. Carefully fold 1/4" of the unfinished edge of the crayon roll over to create a smooth edge, press. Then place arrow's flat end into the open end of the crayon roll, pin in place and sew along edge closing the opening.

Now here you can change it up if you like. I add a button hole and a button to the outside of crayon roll, but you can put ribbon instead of the arrow, or a zipper, Velcro, snaps, whatever you please and think your child will enjoy more. Get creative and have fun!!!!

Rockerchic's Rockin' French Toast!

Here is my family's Favorite French Toast!

You can make this recipe out of ANY kind of sliced bread: White, Wheat, Whole Grain... But Raisin Cinnamon Swirl is my favorite!

Ingredients:

Bread Slices... two or three slices for each person your cooking for

Eggs

Canned Evaporated Milk

Sugar (or splenda)

Cinnamon

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Nutmeg


Optional toppings:
Powdered Sugar, Butter, Maple or Fruit Syrup, Honey...

Ok...

Mix all the ingredients in a shallow bowl. You'll want to use the measurement of one egg to two slices of bread.

Only add one teaspoon of canned milk for every egg you add...

Spices and sugar are to be added as you prefer, some people like subtle spices... But I overload mine!

After mixing that all up good, then you heat your pan... and use pam or butter (I use pam) to keep it from sticking... Only put it on med. low heat.

Soak each peice of bread in the mixture... coating each side...

Cook in the frying pan until done on each side and the middle of the bread is cooked throughly, it will be just a little stiff...

Then serve with breakfast meats, fruit, and cheese....

I hope your family loves it as much as my family does!!!

Let's go Holiday Shopping!

Alrighty....The Powers of CEM have graciously allowed me to add a few blog posts!! So without further ado...here are some holiday inspired CEM 'fake' treasuries! Spread this blog far and wide...it's shopping time!!



Click the pics to start shopping!

Black & Orange So Happy Together!!

CAFEMOMETSYMOMS
ORANGE & BLACK

Here are a few Cafemometsymoms black and orange handmade creations. Click on the link above to see more!!

A Handmade Halloween With Etsy

A Handmade Halloween With Etsy
As originally posted on the H&G Buzz Blog on Cafemom

A Handmade Halloween With Etsy

October 17, 2008 at 1:00 PM by Cafe Sheri - Comments (2)

You've heard of Etsy, right? Well, if not, then you should know that Etsy's the coolest, most action-packed online craft fair in America! There are thousands of crafters and artists on the Etsy site, and the merchandise is changing all the time.

In fact, right here on CafeMom, there's a group for CafeMom Etsy Moms, open to any CafeMom who sells anything on Etsy. And now through October 31st, several of the CafeMom Etsy Moms are having a Pre-Holiday Sale. Don't miss it!

Here are a few of my favorite handmade Halloween items for Home from the CafeMom Etsy Moms shops (available while supplies last):

"Boo" Vinyl Board from caligirlcrafts (aka CafeMom caligirlcrafts), $9.95

Harvest Pumpkins, set of 5, from ae baby (aka CafeMom aebaby), $16.50

Spiced Pumpkin Scented Soap from Cosmic Clean Body (aka CafeMom Celyn4), $4

Fall Pumpkins Table Runner from Cozy Cabin Creations (aka CafeMom cozycabinmom), $10

Baby Gear: Fab Stuff Made by Real Moms (featured on CAFEMOM)

Baby Gear: Fab Stuff Made by Real Moms

Photo by aebaby

I have to say, it's been wonderful to explore all of the cool stuff happening on CafeMom! There are so many great groups and stories and moms to meet. My friend Cafe Sheri, who is also the Home & Garden blogger, told me about CafeMom Etsy Moms -- and I'm so impressed with them! Some of these fabulous mamas are creating beautiful things that you need for your baby -- you've gotta check it out.

Etsy connects people (like me!) willing to lay down cash for cool handmade stuff with the artists that create it -- and there's a gang of these mamas here on CafeMom. aebaby makes beautiful baby things -- diaper and wipes holders, blankets, toys, super-cool car seat covers -- that I covet. Also, I'm just amazed with her incredible DIY talent! I asked her a few questions about what she does and why:

How did you get started making baby things?

"It was a natural to begin making baby things when it became near and dear to my heart almost six years ago with the birth of my son. I love the whimsy and freedom that comes with being a child; polka dots, fairy princesses, and silly elephants. I'm a stay-at-home mom with two energetic preschoolers and the aunt of a crowd ranging from 8 months to 4 years -- and I love sewing for children!"

How long have you been doing it?

"I've always been sewing. As a child working on a simple pillow, through college making extra spending money tailoring, then making baby blankets, Cinderella ball gowns, and toys for my family. I love the challenge of creating and learning and making new things. I also draw on my degree in recreation, knowing how children play and interact with their world and others during the different stages of development helps."

What's your absolute favorite thing that you've made so far?

"Every new thing I make is my favorite; they are always being replaced with the next creation. My kids have their favorites -- my daughter loves the Sugar Cookie Bake Set and my son loved a Frog Chair I made."

What about you? Are you a DIY-queen (or wannabe)? Are you making something for your baby-on-the-way? Tell us about your creative side in the comments below.

Posted using ShareThis

Still Looking For Halloween Costumes?

So... Your like me... the last minute person.... Searching through your local Wal-Mart... Looking for whats left of the Halloween Costumes? And you pass up on the Dorothy that looks she was from "the wrong side of the yellow brick road" and put back the $30 Made in China Bumble Bee Costumer that looks something like Charlie Brown's Shirt with that squiggly line.....

So, here you are... searching Etsy... looking for that PERFECT costume... The one you know that your little angel (or devil) Will just love!

So... I'm here to help you out! Here are some awesome costumes, that are ready by Halloween made by some Cafemom Etsy Moms!








This is a Spooky Gothic Bat Girl Costume by Tiara's Tutus. Which also happens to be one of my NEW favorite Etsy Sellers at the moment. I love the purples and teals in the tutu along with those tiny, adorable bat wings! What a creative momma!














Ah, and heres another cutie in Tulle! Trinity's Tutus has this adorable made to order Tinkerbell Tutu Dress. It is absolutely full to the brim of pretty shades of green tulle! Big pink flowers and a big pink ribbon set this costume off perfectly!









One of the more eclectic shops on Etsy... and believe me, I mean that in the MOST respectful way! Another Favorite Seller, Pumpkinhaus! This is her "Frou Frou Skirt" . Made from Witchy Fabric and full of color, and texture! What Little Girl wouldn't LOVE wearing this for Hallowen? It will be perfect for the skirt of a Witch's costume, or even something cute to wear over leggings when going out! Be sure to check out Pumpkinhaus' shop for all kinds of cool, kooky, and "Hey, I never thought of that" kind of stuff!



And Just in Case you haven't had your daily dose of ADORABLE! Here is a Totally Cute idea and tutu by Maggie's Rose Garden! Any mom who is ANY mom has heard of Gymboree, and we all have seen the adorable lines of matching clothes they have. Well, Maggie's has come up with such an adorable tutu to put your little punkin' in for halloween!

I just love how the tutu goes so perfectly with the pumpkin hat, tights, and sweater. If you haven't got that costume yet, you have got to hit up Gymboree, and Maggie's Rose Garden!









And of course, I will add my Halloween Costume Too! Just to give a spin on the everyday tutu, I, Rockerchic, have added large wire ribbon and strips of fabric for a completely shabby look!

This is my favorite Tutu in my shop with purple spider web fabric, and white with black polka dot fabric... along with black tulle and a spider wire ribbon for a totally spooky look!








This is a SMALL taste of what our CEMs have to off you for halloween this year. Throughout our shops we have clothing, costumes, jewelry, and home decor for Halloween, Fall, and all year round!

While your browsing etsy, make sure you search for the tag "cafemom team" you'll be so glad you did!

Hope you all have a SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN! Lots of Handmade Love and Wishes for a Safe Halloween from all the super cool Chics over at Cafemom Etsy Moms Street Team!

Kristie (aka Rockerchic)

Caramel Apples for Halloween and Fall

The caramel coating is very gooey, so refrigerate the apples for about 15 minutes, or until the caramel has firmed up.

INGREDIENTS

6 apples

1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped

2 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet.
2. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly.
3. Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set.

Check out my Etsy shop!!!

Check out my Blog too!