Christmas Wreath

This is our first Christmas married and Greg and I have zero decorations. I have been looking around to get some and they cost so much money! I have noticed that Christmas wreaths, the ones I like, can be pricey. It seems ridiculous that they should cost so much so, since I like DIY crafts anyways, I decided that I would make one. I love making things and if it saves me money even better! I got the wreath from Target for $4 and I got the pine-cones, ribbon, and berries from Michael's all for 50%-60% off. Then I simply glue-gunned it all on how I wanted.

To make the ribbon I tied three ribbons all together and then put a pretty piece over the middle to make it look good. The flowers are actually made out of paper. I got this idea on pinterest and pinned it on my board so if you want the directions, they are on there. All it is is cardstock cut in a spiral and rolled up. Easy.

I haven't figured out the total cost for this wreath but it is a heck of a lot cheaper than the ones I wanted to buy and I actually like mine more. I love that I made this. There is something about making something beautiful with your own hands that gives you such a great sense of pride. I feel so accomplished! Also, I figure if I make it, then it will be exactly what I wanted. I think it looks great! So, in the words of my cashier at Joann's the other day, Happy Crafting!

One Pan Cookie

For my first post this is a recipe my husband and I found. Greg made it tonight (didn't he do a great job?) for dessert at the Smith's and we all loved it! It's so easy to make too. I hope you enjoy it!

What You'll Need:

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in an 8 inch cast iron skillet set over medium-low heat. Stir in sugars and vanilla and remove from heat. Let rest until pan is warm, but no longer very hot, about 5 minutes.

2. Crack an egg onto the butter and sugar mixture, and use a fork to whisk it well into the mixture. Place flour, baking soda, and salt on top, and very carefully stir into the mixture until smooth and well-mixed. Stir in chocolate chunks. Place in the oven for 15 minutes, or until starting to turn golden on the top and around the edges, but soft in the center. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

That's it! Super easy and delicious!