DIY Wooden Tree

The Easiest Pumpkin Cake Recipe Ever

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients: 

1 29oz can of pumpkin pure

2 boxes of Pillsbury moist supreme yellow cake mix

4 eggs

1 tub of cream cheese frosting

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350. Using an electric mixer, combine canned pumpkin, cake mix, and eggs. Pour the mixture into two greased pans. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Cool, ice, and enjoy!

Christmas & Crochet

I am just going to admit it, my tree is up. Before you go on and judge me, let me just say that for one, my tree makes me happy. And right now I am extremely stressed out, so shouldn't that be enough of a reason to put it up? And if I do need any more reason than that, my house currently looks like Santa's workshop with orders EVERYWHERE. I have crocheted more in the past two weeks than I have all year! It has been a ton of work, but I love the fact that one of my favorite pass times can make us a little extra money, which is always nice, especially around this time of the year. Here is a peek into what my life currently looks like. P.S. It is our second Christmas together, which is perfectly symbolized by our two red cups on the tree!

Christmas in June

The beginning of summer is here and of course that means bikinis, late nights, and beaches...but for me, it also means beginning my Christmas stock pile. Yup, that's right, I said it...Christmas. Last year, I only did personal projects and I barely finished on time. This year, I have decided to take on smaller projects because I have custom orders, personal gifts, and I want to have stock on hand to sell. Crazy? Yes. But I've been told I am crazy plenty of times before. I am all about handmade gifts, and I thought these ornaments would be the perfect little gift for anyone. More styles are coming, but I am loving the way the desserts are turning out! If you would like to purchase your own, feel free to email me at emilydilldenton@gmail.com! The large doughnut is $7.49 and the small pastry is $4.99 or get both for just $11.99! All ornaments come wrapped with a bow!

Our Week in Photos

Cowboy Cookies

Pardon my language, but bloody hell I am addicted. By request from the boyfriend, I whipped up a batch of cowboy cookies this evening  and I can't stop eating them! Did I mention I made them with my new KITCHENAID!!! My parents were wonderful and surprised me with one! I never thought I would own one, and might I say, it looks beautiful in our kitchen! As delicious as this recipe is, I should probably keep it top secret. But it is the season of giving, so merry Christmas!

Cowboy Cookies:

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon cinnamon 

1 teaspoon salt

3 sticks softened butter

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 (7oz) bag sweetened coconut flakes

6 packets instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal

(I forgot to pick up oats at the store and I wasn't about to head out the day before Christmas eve to get more, so I made it work!)

4 cups chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups pecan pieces 

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Using an electric mixer, cream butter for approx. one minute. Slowly add white and brown sugar to the butter. Once thoroughly combined, add in eggs and vanilla. Slowly add dry mix to wet mix. Once combined, using the electric mixer, add coconut flakes and oatmeal. Using your hands, fold in chocolate chips and pecan pieces. (I attempted to use the Kitchenaid for this, but it got way too thick.) Create balls using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, do not flatten. Leave a good distance between cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet because they flatten quite a bit. Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes and remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy! 

25 Naughty & Nice Days For Him

I have been spending countless hours planning our Christmas and sticking to a budget. Because we don't have too much money to spend, I am having to get a little creative. To keep the holiday spirit alive and fun, I made my wonderful boyfriend a "grown up" advent calendar. I just purchased a $5 felt advent calendar from Target & stuffed a coupon and little chocolate inside each pocket. Who says the holidays have to be expensive!? I loved the idea so much I thought I should share, please feel free to print and use, but if you pin or re post, please have a link to my site. Happy holidays and enjoy! 

P.S. These coupons were designed to be printed 2x3 & work the best on card-stock.