DIY Chalkboard Picture Frame

Looking for a unique and homemade Valentine's Day gift?

How about a chalkboard picture frame? Now you can leave love notes for your sweetie all year long!

First you'll need a cute assistant and a wooden picture frame. We picked this one up at Michael's for just $1. I like that it has a large area to write your message!

You'll also need a can of chalkboard spray paint (available at Michael's)

Now get spraying! I applied three coats (allow for drying in between coats)

A few rhinestone added for a sparkling finish touch and that's it!

Quick, easy & your Valentine is sure to love it!

These would also make amazing wedding favors. Attach a piece of chalk with coordinating ribbon and you've got a one-a-kind favor for your guests.

Hot Chocolate Dippers

Stir up something special on a cold winter day with these
DIY hot chocolate dippers!

What you'll need:
Marshmallows
Peppermint sticks
Chocolate candy melts
Assortment of sprinkles

Take peppermint sticks & push in to marshmallows.

Using a double boiler, melt the chocolates & dip each marshmallow stick in to the chocolate. Be sure to coat entire marshmallow. Tap off excess chocolate & add sprinkles. Place on wax paper to cool.

My adorable assistant!

Add one dipper to a cup of hot chocolate.
Minty ~ Chocolatey ~ Goodness!

Recycled Crayon Valentines

Ever wonder what to do with all those broken & half used crayons? Now you can recycle them into fun shapes.

I didn't want my preschooler to bring candy to her classmates for Valentine's Day, so this is a perfect alternative!

All you need is crayons, a silicon baking pan & oven.

Let's get started!

Set your oven to 200 degrees. Remove the paper wrappings and break up the crayons. Add them to the silicon molds and place in oven for 8-10 minutes.

Once all the crayons have melted, you'll get something like this. Next throw the mold in the freezer for a few minutes so the crayons can harden faster.

Pop them out of the mold & you've got yourself some super cute new crayons!

We printed these free cute cards from The Long Thread. A small piece of tape or dab of hot glue holds them onto the card.

We wrapped them in cellophane treat bags and added some ribbon.

A great Valentine treat without any sugar involved!

Apple Spice Fruit Leather

My resolution for 2012 is cook more at home!

I decided to try some homemade fruit leather treats! Perfect for snacking, lunches or hostess gifts!

What you'll need:

1 25-ounce jar of applesauce

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cloves

Note: If you prefer a sweeter version, add a couple teaspoons of vanilla, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 170°F

2. Puree ingredients in a food processor until nice & smooth

3. Line an 11"x17" lipped cookie sheet with greased parchment paper or silicone baking mat

4. Spread the puree until it's about 1/4" thick. Tilt the pan back & forth until it's evenly distributed.

5. Bake in in the oven for 5-8 hours. Rotate the pan halfway during baking to ensure even drying. It's ready when it's smooth & non-tacky.

6. Let it cool, then cut in strips with a pizza cutter or scissors.

7. Store in an airtight container or zipper storage bag.

{photo credits}

2012 Free Printable Calendars

Are you still displaying your 2011 calendar? There are some adorable calendars available for free! Just download and print. Easy peasy!

Desktop calendar from PoshTots

Cute artists calendar from Mygrafico

Mini calendar from Very Merry Vintage Style

Table top calendar from Living Locurto

Doodle write in calendar from Creative Momma

The Rocksicles from Anything but Perfect

Happy New Year!

From our family to yours, may the new year be fabulous and filled with lots of love & happiness!