the year of cozy: hazelnut-chocolate hot toddy

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recipe, year of cozy

hazelnut-chocolate hot toddy

My sister gave me an early Christmas present that fuels my creativity and something that I have been missing for some time now. The gift was a lovely book called “The year of cozy: 125 recipes, crafts, and other homemade adventures” by Adrianna Adarme. Only 125 ideas for one year of creativity seems a lot less overwhelming than 365. But really, would I actually make everything in this book? Probably not.

Last year on August 31 I got married and became an instant parent. I love being a bonus Mom! That really changed my life and my time is spent doing different things – like family things and the whole parenting thing. I miss the time that is just my time to create and I feel like I need to claim some of that back for my own mental health, whether the boys are with us or with their Mamma.

So I’ve taken some time to look through this book and choose one thing from each month of the year. That’s only 12 projects from this book. Some I have no interest in like dog treats and others I’m super excited to try like the peanut butter cups. Which I already did, but that was for November so you’ll have to wait for that one.

Wedding Cake 101

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cake, wedding

I’m not an expert at wedding cake decorating. I’ve only creating three wedding cakes, but with each one I have improved my wedding cake making skills.

Let’s get this out in the open right off the get go. I don’t like fondant. I don’t use fondant. The fondant roses on the cakes below were created by my sister.

I’ve learned that when creating a wedding cake you need the right tools and the right procedure!

The right tools are needed.

• Cake layer cutter
• Angled spatula
• Cake boards and dowels

The right procedure is needed.

How to Make a Bicycle Pull-A-Part Cake Step by Step

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bicycle, cupcakes, pull a part cake

Happy Birthday Sister!

The correct term is a Penny Farthing. The high wheel bicycle came into being in the 1870’s. I think when we were kids we had a high wheel tricycle, so not quite like this because it had two wheels on the back.

So, why a penny farthing as a pull-a-part cake? My sister loves bikes! Any kind, but mostly the older style of bike. Her birthday was coming

Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili

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chicken, chili, crockpot, quinoa, slow cooker

My sister made this for us while I was visiting one weekend. It was delicious! Especially after coming in from a morning of snowshoeing! It was delicious and filling.

From what I remember she got the recipe from a friend. I am sorry that I don’t know where

21 Day Fix: I’ll Start Tomorrow. I’ll Start Now!

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21 day fix, clean eating

Have you ever found yourself saying something like:

“It’s just one cupcake. I’ll start my diet tomorrow.”

After eating a ton of food at a get together you say to your friends, “The diet starts Monday.”

Tomorrow comes and so does

21 Day Fix: Determination

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21 day fix

The following is a post taken from my Instagram. Day 19 of the the 21 Day Fix…. it’s almost done… determination means preparing not only for meals AND workouts!

Determination! When going away for the weekend take what you need with you. No