Home made Donuts - My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

I absolutely LOVE donuts (or doughnuts as my wonderful husband points out.)
I can polish off a dozen by myself so I don't make them or buy them very often. But when I do I gorge on them. In my sugar coma, I feel like I'm have my own little slice of Heaven.
Here is a Recipe I use from Cooks.com1 c. milk, scalded
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 pkg. yeast
3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 egg
Confectioners' sugar

Pour milk over butter and sugars; stir until melted and cool to lukewarm. Add yeast, stirring until dissolved. Sift flour, salt and nutmeg. Gradually add half the dry mixture to milk; add egg and beat well. Add remaining flour and leave dough in warm place for 1 hour. Knead gently, roll to quarter inch thickness and cut into diamonds. Allow to rise 30 minutes to 1 hour. Fry in deep fat, 375 degrees and dust with confectioners' sugar or use confectioners' sugar glaze if desired. Make sure you don't put too many into the fry. Here is a video to help you along :)

The Language of Love & Respect - My Review

I received a complimentary copy ofThe Language of Love and Respect from Thomas Nelson for review. Maybe it was the crazy holiday season at my house but it took me FOREVER to get through this book and I can usually read a book this size in a day or two. It just couldn't hold my attention and at times I thought it was repeating itself. Over all I give this book a "B+" because it really does offer a lot of great advice!

I thought that I wouldn't get anything out of this book because I do have a good marriage, but we all know marriage in general isn't always bliss. For me it helped explain communication which at times is a hindrance in my marriage - believe it or not, it's on my side not his! Proper communication is key. No matter how great your marriage is I feel you will get something out of this book (just skim through the parts that repeat itself).

I wish someone would have given it to me as a newly wed. It would have saved me a lot of trial and error, especially early in my marriage. The book states men need respect and women need love. How very very true!

Decopauge - How To Make A Valentine's Day Flower Vase

I just love crafting up new items for Valentine's Day and a few days ago I decided to decorate a new vase for myself...after all, hubby will be getting me some Valentine's Day flowers to put inside it (usually white roses).

This is a very easy project that you and your children can make together...kids just love to rip up things, so hand them the tissue paper and let them do it!

Here are the supplies that you will need:

Tissue Paper- Dark Pink, Light Pink, White and Red
Decoupage Medium - Glossy Finish
Clear Mica Glitter
Foam Brush
Newspaper (cover your work surface)
Glass Vase

Here is how I made it:

I first started by washing and drying my vase. I then took some rubbing alcohol over it and left it air dry for several minutes. While it was drying, I ripped up my tissue paper into a variety of shapes and sizes. You will want to lay down several sheets of newspaper onto your work surface to catch the drips.

In a small glass bowl, I added 4 tablespoons of Decoupage and 1/2 teaspoon of water. I like to add just a tad of water so its not as thick. Using my foam brush, I layered on a thin coat of decoupage medium onto one side of my vase. I then used my ripped up tissue paper and just layered it on in a pattern that I liked. You will repeat this process for all sides and the bottom of your vase. You will want to let it dry for 1-2 hours. Once dry, use your foam brush to layer a top coat of the medium onto the tissue paper and let it dry for an additional 1-2 hours.

Optional: After I coated my vase with the top coat layer, I chose to sprinkle on some mica glitter. If you want to add the glitter, make sure you sprinkle it on while the decoupage medium is still wet.

You can now enjoy your new flower vase!


Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill is a mother and grandmother living in Pennsylvania who enjoys quick and easy holiday crafts. You can visit Shelly's online craft site at passionateaboutcrafting.blogspot.com for free project ideas.