S'mores BarsI've been making this recipe for years and years. It's my go-to recipe for gatherings, PTA meetings, etc. I bring it when it's still warm and gooey. It's fun to watch people's eyes roll back when they taste these. They aren't difficult to make. Well worth any effort, though!
Decoupaged Light Switch PlateRecently on Pinterest, I saw the most darling switch plate cover, covered in glitter. So, I pulled out my favorite wrapping paper and went to town with the modge podge. In my kid's room, I used a copy of a Dr. Seuss book and covered the plates with those.
No Bake Chocolate Mint CookiesThis is a very simple way to get your fix of those crispy, chocolatey, minty cookies. I had seen a similar recipe and they used Andes baking chips. I had never heard of them. But sure enough, there they were at Target!
Skillet BreadFound this recipe and it reminded me of the bread that we used to have at Macaroni Grill 10 years ago. It's a very simple bread but with the rosemary on top, it's something special!
Huichol Style Yarn or Thread PaintingsI came across this idea while trying to find art projects to teach at my daughter's school. This looked amazing. I don't think I could do this with 100 kids at once, but my kids loved it! It took us about half an hour and it was fun to see what they came up with.
Never Fail Pie CrustA friend shared this recipe with me years ago. The ingredients sounded so strange to me, but I gave it a try. I am so glad I did. It is so flaky and delicious. It is very versatile. I use it for pie crusts, quiches, hand-held chicken pot pies, etc.
Bathtub Finger PaintsThis is a very inexpensive way to let your kids have some extra fun in the bath. I found the recipe over 10 years ago and I make it all the time for my kids. They love it. This also makes a nice gift for friends with kids.
Chocolate Covered CherriesThis is a super easy way to make chocolate covered cherries. The kids had so much fun helping me with this recipe. I've tried a few recipes and this one is a keeper!
Basket for Bathtub ToysThe toys in our bathtub were a constant irritation to me. I saw this idea on Pinterest and it's genius! All you need is a shower curtain rod, shower curtain rings and a basket or two.
Baked Chicken ChimichangasI adapted this recipe from an old Cooking Light recipe. I love it but made a few changes. It's my go-to recipe. It's a great recipe for using up left over chicken. My whole family will eat it, too!
Soft Silky Play DoughThis dough is amazing. It is made with conditioner and corn starch. The texture is very soft and silky. It's perfect for younger kids because it is so easy to work with. Just keep an eye on them, to make sure they don't try to eat it. The dough feels wonderful.
Hot Chocolate on a StickWhile perusing Pinterest, I kept coming across "Hot Chocolate on a Stick". I had never heard of such a thing. But, I am so glad I found it. It makes a delicious cup of hot chocolate. We are really enjoying these. They would make a nice gift for someone... if they make it out of the house!
Melted Perler BeadsWe have tons of Perler beads. What to do with them all? I saw this idea on a website and my kids absolutely loved it. There's something so fun about watching those tubes become flattened and widened. My kids made a bunch of bracelets and rings. They turned out so colorful and unique.
New York CheesecakeCheesecake is not something that I usually think of as being "thrifty", to buy or to make. I must have had cheesecake on the brain because my pinterest page has about 5 or 6 recipes that I have added in the last few weeks. I took advantage of a sale on cream cheese this week at $1.19 a package. When I calculated the ingredients cost, this was less than $8 to make! It is one of the best cheesecakes I have ever tasted. It is so creamy and smooth. There is no graham cracker crust, but you could make one if that is what you prefer. I could have gone either way. I made a strawberry sauce to go over the cheesecake, but it didn't need it. It was perfect the way it was. It was well worth the effort. I will definitely be making this again, when I can find another great deal on cream cheese.
Mosaic Bug Bowling BallsI received a few old bowling balls from a friend and wanted to make something cute. Paint did not last. I decided that tile would be a lot sturdier and hold up to the elements. I love watching kids walking down the street and getting excited to see the Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friend the ladybug.
3D Hand ArtI saw this project years ago and loved it. I recently taught it to my daughter and she had so much fun with it. Her friends came over and the first thing they did was try this project. This project is easy and very inexpensive. The results are stunning. Loved it!
Whipped Chocolate Truffle Candy BarsThis recipe is a copycat recipe of a Three Musketeer bar. I didn't think it tasted exactly like one but it was better! The filling was a little softer, and it was more like an airy soft truffle. My 5 year old tasted one and said, "Mommy, this is the best thing in the world!". My 12 year old took a bite and immediately said, "Mom! You're making these again, right?". The recipe was so simple with minimal ingredients. I will be making these again, for sure.
Romantic Framed Wedding Song LyricsI saw this idea on Pinterest quite a while ago and loved it. I finally made it and it was pretty easy. The supplies were minimal and it was inexpensive to make. Plus, I love how simple but elegant it is. I think this would make a great gift for someone's anniversary or a post-wedding gift.
