Gray Clouds and Sunshine

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Easy Valentine's Day Handprint Card

It's February 13th! Do you have something for that special someone? My son and I made a couple of these today. Took less than fifteen minutes, and you know Grandma will love it no matter what!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Thumb-body Loves You

When I was young my parents would always make us send thank you cards or say "thank you" in person when someone did something kind for us. Birthday presents, attending events, and more were all in need of gratitude. And it's something that has always stuck with me.

Plus, it's easier to send a card than have an awkward conversation on the phone.

Nowadays I just love sending out cards for any reason but especially during holidays. What is more exciting that getting a little bit of love in the mail?

For this Valentine's we tweaked this idea into a card that my kids could make for their grandparents!

Instructions:

1. Cut colored card stock in half (the short way) so you'll have two pieces that are 8.5 x 5.5 inches. Those two pieces can now be folded in half for two cards.

2. Cut white card stock into rectangles that measure 5 x 4 inches. Place on top of the card to see if the colored border is evenly showing. You might need to trim the white card stock a bit.

3. Next choose paint colors (or you could use colored ink pads) and help the kids use their thumbs to make prints in a row on the white card stock.

4. Let dry and add text "Thumb-body Loves You" under the thumb prints.

5. Write a message inside and send off with love!

Monday, February 10, 2014

M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I have a thing for M&M's.

Like a buy-those-huge-bags-from-Costco-and-hoard-them-all-to-myself thing.

Yep.

And this is an easy recipe to whip together, throw in a pan, and lick the bowl until they're done baking. Not that I support eating raw egg or salmonella…but I still do it anyways.

M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup M&M's
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Combine flour, soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

3. In an electric mixer, blend sugars. Add butter and mix until a grainy paste. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until light and fluffy.

4. Add flour mixture, M&M's, and chocolate chips at low speed.

5. Place in greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 300 degrees for 35 minutes. Check with a toothpick.

Enjoy the warm chocolate gooeyness!