DIY Tutus

{images via den's tutu cute boutique}

Aren't these just the cutest? I was sent a link to the website, Den's Tutus, Bows and More, and thought these diy tutus would be wonderful for a little girls party. They are a no sew project, which is great because I am not a sewer by any means. There are also a few variations such as extra poufy, reversible and ribbon wrapped waistband tutus.


{image via den's tutu cute boutique}

For instructions on how to make these no sew tutus click here.

Easy Appetizers

New Years festivities are fast approaching. These are a few scrumptious and yet easy appetizers to include in your New Years Eve celebration.


{image via foodchannel.com}

Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients
4 dozen medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
1 1/2 cups flour
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup shredded coconut

Directions
Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Dredge each one in flour, then dip in egg, dredge again in flour and then roll them in coconut, coating thoroughly.
Arrange the prepared shrimp on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 425° oven until golden brown, 12-15 minutes.
Serve with dipping sauce, if desired.
Makes 48 appetizers.


{image via instyle.com}

Oven-Fried Chicken Satay

Yield: serves 12 (about 28 skewers)

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
4 cups cornflakes
2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Barbecue sauce, for serving
Skewers

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, working the skewer in and out of the meat. Using a pastry brush, brush each piece of chicken with Dijon mustard.
In a food processor, combine cornflakes, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pulse to a coarse meal and transfer to a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken skewer in cornflake mixture until evenly coated. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Serve with Barbeque Sauce.



{image via marthastewart.com}

Deviled Eggs

Serves 6

Ingredients
6 large eggs
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place eggs in a medium saucepan; add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil. Remove pan from heat; cover, and let stand 13 minutes. Drain, and run eggs under cold water to cool them.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper.
Peel eggs, and halve lengthwise; remove yolks, leaving whites intact. Transfer yolks to bowl with mayonnaise mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth.
Mound yolk mixture into whites. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 8 hours

Festive Candy Bark

This recipe is one of my favorites from Kraft Canada. A great recipe when you are short on time or even to give as a gift.



Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted,
divided 6 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted 1 pkg. (6 squares) BAKER'S White Chocolate, melted
1/4 cup each red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces

Directions
Sir half the nuts into each bowl of chocolate.

Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate mixtures onto waxed paper-covered baking sheet, alternating colours of chocolates. Swirl with knife. Top with chocolate pieces; press gently into chocolate with back of spoon.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces.

DIY Holiday Centerpiece

image: allureeventcouncelling.com

One of my go-to ways to decorate for the holiday season is to simply take a few clear vases and fill with ornaments, greenery or cranberries. Or fill the bottom of the vase with artificial snow and top with your favorite ball ornaments. Put a few of these filled vases together for a beautiful centerpiece. So pretty and takes only a few minutes to put together for the holidays.







Images: countryliving.com
Clockwise from top left thoughtfullysimple.com, top right potterybarn.com, bottom right potterybarn.com, bottom left thisnext.com

Glitter Reindeer DIY Decoration

{image via livingetc.com}

I am all about reindeer. It all began with that adorable little reindeer named Rudolph. To this day it is my all time favorite Christmas special and I could watch it a thousand times before Santa's big day. To create your own take a simple reindeer figurine or toy and cover with glitter. Wouldn't this little deer be great on a holiday table setting or as a centerpiece, or even on a mantle? So cute!

Drippy Icing Cake

This cake was my first attempt at a drippy icing cake adapted from Andrea Sweetcake's cakes on Flickr. It was a last minute birthday cake and there are a few things I think could use some work but it turned out okay. I love making little gumpaste figures such as bears and other animals and this little kitten was no exception.

DIY Cupcake Stand

Spotted this awesome diy cupcake stand tutorial from cakejournal. An easy way to create a beautiful cake stand that can be decorated according to your theme.