Gingerbread Eggnog Christmas Cookies — Cookie Monster Recipe

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This Christmas cookie recipe is a must-try, especially if you love egg nog. I’m dusting off my baking skills this week with a Christmas cookie recipe that radiates holiday cheer. These are gingerbread cookie sandwiches filled with homemade egg nog icing. A classic Christmas cookie sandwich—simple, festive, and indulgent. The recipe is easy to follow … Read more

Behind the Scenes: A Weekend in Round Top, TX

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I took a short blogger retreat recently with a lovely group of friends. I realized I never shared the photos from that trip — it was brief but full of warm, creative moments with people I’ve known for years and some new faces I’d only just met in person. The retreat happened in Round Top, … Read more

6 Creative Weekend DIY Projects You Can Start Today

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After last weekend’s trip, I’m planning a quieter weekend to rest and tackle a few small projects before we head out to New Mexico in a couple of weeks. What are your plans? Any projects on your list for the next few days? If so, here are some easy, fun DIY ideas to consider. These … Read more

Berry Oat Shortbread Bars — Tender Crust with Fresh Berries

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Shortbread bars with a berry twist — buttery, oat-packed, and impossible to resist. These mixed berry oat shortbread bars have a sweet, buttery crust made from oats and flour, filled with a tangy, jammy berry center. They’re perfect for breakfast, a potluck, or a holiday dessert. Use any combination of berries you like to build … Read more

DIY Bath Salts Recipe for Memorable Wedding Favors

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Looking for an affordable wedding favor your guests will love, or a charming party favor for a kids’ “spa day” birthday? This simple homemade bath salt recipe uses everyday kitchen items and makes a sweet, memorable gift. Follow this easy tutorial to create pretty bath salts perfect for favors, welcome gifts, or to keep on … Read more

8 Weekend DIY Projects You Can Complete in a Day

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This morning I was scrambling around the house hunting for my makeup bag because I’m headed to play mini golf on a rooftop — a delightfully random Friday adventure. I’ll be sharing the colorful, carnival-like moments on Snapchat. How about you? Any plans for the weekend? If you’re looking for creative ways to spend a … Read more

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Homemade Salted Caramel Marshmallows

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Following the popular Nutella marshmallows recipe, here is a homemade hot chocolate recipe — and to make it even better, I’m including a second marshmallow recipe and a simple caramel sauce. These recipes combine into a luxurious salted caramel hot chocolate topped with soft, chewy caramel marshmallows. The marshmallow recipe is one of my favorites: … Read more

Plaster Pusher: Make Mini Plaster Planters and Color Them with a Secret Ingredient

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Mini planters made from colored plaster — a clever, colorful DIY you should try!

I used to work with Plaster of Paris a lot, but over time I switched to concrete for projects I once made with plaster. The process is almost the same and I like the concrete look better, so it felt natural to make the change.

Still, I kept wondering if I could color plaster itself for some tiny planters I had in mind. I searched online and didn’t find a straightforward method.

That’s likely because plaster’s powdered consistency is critical for proper setting. It’s not as simple as stirring in acrylic paint and calling it done.

Yes, you can always paint finished pieces afterward — I’ve done that — but I wanted the color to be part of the material, not just a surface treatment. Pigment in the mix changes the texture and look in a way paint can’t.

After some testing, I discovered a reliable method. It tints plaster virtually any color without altering its consistency. Once I found it, I wanted to share it and start using it on every small project I can justify. Below is the secret ingredient and a simple tutorial for pastel mini planters ideal for cacti and succulents.

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DIY Journal Covers and Custom Notebook Ideas for Gift-Worthy Designs

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DIY journal covers and notebooks made from leather and wood — they’re adorable and make lovely gifts. After compiling a list of journaling ideas to help motivate me for the year ahead, I decided to create a set of DIY journal covers and notebooks to give myself an extra nudge toward new plans. If there’s … Read more

9 Fall Desserts You’ll Crave All Year

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It really feels like fall here—the leaves are changing and the air is cooling, and I’m absolutely loving it. I’m settling into life in Atlanta and, after a week, I haven’t found anything I don’t like about this place. There are a few things I love even more than the season itself, and dessert is … Read more