Brief Bits

Here's a quick round-up of what I've found on the web recently that got my creative juices flowin':

1.  From Tennessee Locavore - The Perfect Snickerdoodle
The snickerdoodle is probably my all-time favorite cookie, if we're talking homemade.  Few bakeries actually get it right, so I usually just go with a chocolate chip (which isn't all that hard to mess up).  The snickerdoodle is a different story... it's all about texture and the right balance of ingredients, not to mention the correct cinnamon to sugar ratio on top.  I definitely want to give this recipe a try!

2.  From A Southern Fairytale - Oreo Truffles
These look divine... and easy, too!  I think I'm going to have to give these a whirl this Christmas season for sure.  For more Oreo Truffle ideas, check this link out, too.

3.  From Martha Stewart - Key Ring Cardholder
A genius idea!  I'd love to gather up all of mine, and just keep them in the glovebox of the car, pulling them out only when needed.

4.  From I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar! - The Magic Tie Trick
So, so clever!  Floppy ties bug me, but probably not as much as the person wearing them.  I bet pretty soon someone's going to market this idea.

5.  From Less-Than-Perfect Life of Bliss - PB Teen-Inspired USA Chalkboard
I noticed the PB Teen version in my latest catalog, too.  She's pulled off an amazing rendition here, at a fraction of the sale price.  Great tutorial!

6.  From Picky Palate - Oreo Cheesecake Pretzel Bites
Another fabulous idea for Oreos!  This looks really tasty - I'd bet the combination of salty + sweet is fantastic!  This is on my holiday to-make list, too.

7.  From This Blessed Nest - Chalkboard Wall
I'd love to have a chalkboard wall in my home someday.  I really like how she made hers in a hallway, utilizing an otherwise less-used space.  Such a good idea!

8.  From Oops! I Craft My Pants - Phone Case Inserts
I'm not really into "blinging" out your personal electronics, but I LOVE this idea for "decorating" your phone.  Using scrapbook paper that you can switch out on a whim - so clever!  Now I want an iPhone, just so I can fancy it up!  (Tastefully, of course.)

9.  From Workman Family Blog - Car Seat Blanket Tutorial
Great idea for creating a car seat blanket cover by sewing loops to the top of an existing blanket.  I wish we'd had one of these when Connor was small... our blanket never wanted to stay on top of the handle.

10.  From Shark Bait - Terror Alert System
Tiburon's family discipline system is one of my favorites - it's simple and clear and consistent.  Her system integrates rewards and extra-curriculars.  I'm hanging on to these idea, though I plan on Connor being a complete angel.  ;)

11.  Unhearit
If I get "There's a Party in My Tummy" stuck in my head one more time, I'm running straight over to this site to get it replaced with something a lot less annoying!

12.  From Creations by Kara - Magleby's Parmesan Rolls
Yes, I trolled Kara's archives last week and found quite a few goodies!  I lived in Utah Valley for 11 years, and Magleby's Restaurant was one of my favorites.  I miss these rolls... but not anymore, now that I can make my own!

13.  From My Delicious Ambiguity - 15 Games You Can Play With A Blanket
This is a fun little list!  I'm already planning on implementing a few of these ideas this winter when we're homebound.  Connor still loves to play #1.

14.  From Pioneer Woman - Layered Salad
I love me a good salad!  This one looks delicious and would be a great opportunity for me to dig out my underused trifle bowl.

15.  From Taste of Home - S'more Bars
We'll see if Brian's paying attention to the posts on the blog... if he asks nicely, I'll make these for him.  YUM!

16.  From Ten June - DIY Picture Frame Collage
LOVE this idea!  Just string wire across the length of an open frame, use some cute clips, and attach all epherma you wish.  This would be perfect in our upcoming home office re-do (another post, another time).  Her tutorial is posted here.

17.  From Sumo's Sweet Stuff - Dipped Nutter Butters
I have my dad to blame for my love of peanut butter.  You just can't go wrong with a Nutter Butter cookie... add chocolate to it?!?  I die.

18.  From Mini-Eco - Printable Sewing Cards
Adorable free printable!  Such a fun activity to keep little hands busy, and quiet!

So, there you have it... 18 great finds. I hope something here inspires you, too!

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