Easy Peasy Cookies

   After the time just zooming by this season I hardly had any time to sit down and put together a cookie/treats list of what to make.  So luckily I ran across a blog called goodenessgracious.com that had cake mix cookie recipes.  I have made cookies from cake mixes before so I figured I would give it a shot.  I still wanted the homemade affect but without the "3 1/2 C flour, 2 C sugar, etc." and then having 6 dozen cookies from just ONE recipe not to mention the disaster to clean up in the kitchen.  These were so easy and made at most 3 dozen for each recipe.  She has 3 different kinds she made from a cookbook called Gooseberry Patch's Christmas Cookie Jar but I just chose two.  I must say that I am thankful for her blog because it saved me.  I thought I would share my day of baking with you.  You can get the recipes by clicking the link above.

First Batch of Cookies:  Santa's Favorite Cookies

   This calls for a red velvet cake mix and white chocolate chips.  Very Christmasy and delicious.  They came out nice and soft and stayed that way even the next day.
Tip:  Reserve about a tablespoon of cake mix (dry) and don't add the chocolate chips in with everything else.  As Ina Garten (Food Network Chef) has taught me toss the chocolate chips with the reserved cake mix and then add it to the dough mix.  This keeps the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom when baking and keeps them from "falling out" of the spoonfuls when you place them on your cookie sheet. 

Second Batch of Cookies:  1-2-3 Cookies

   This recipe is made with a lemon cake mix and whip topping then rolled in powdered sugar.  These cookies taste like lemon bars.  Not too lemony and not too sugary.  Really you could do this with spice cake mix too.  Which I think Cris from goodenessgracious.com did.  We had the same out come with these staying soft as well.  

The dough

My plate of powdered sugar

 
   Third Batch of Cookies:  Betty Crocker Sugar Cookies

   I have never used a packaged sugar cookie mix.  I have always made them by scratch but I didn't have time or the patience so I went the easy route.  Instead of using cookie cutters I rolled them in colored sugar sprinkles to be festive.  This choice was made after my stars came out not how I wanted.

   All of these recipes came out great and I would make them again.  I think I might try some New Years ones and I will post them for you.  If you are in a pinch don't hesitate to make it easier on yourself.  So, from my happy baking kitchen to yours have a good day!

Outfit of the Day: Christmas Party Outfit

   With this outfit I went out on a limb.  A way far out, never have gone before to limb and I bought RED jeggings!  I wore a black and gold striped sweater with black patent flats.

Sweater-  Mudd
Jeggings- Mudd
Flats- Mossimo

  For this outfit I kept my makeup really simple.  Even though you can't really see it (because to be quite honest I can't take the most flattering up close shots of my face ) I will go ahead and bore you with the details anyways.

Eye shadow- Maybelline's Eye Tattoo in Barely Beige
Eye liner- Revlon Color Stay Liquid Pen in Blackest Black
Mascara- L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes in Black
Lipstick- Revlon Raspberry

  Christmas outfit inspiration for you.  I hope you liked it.

  

Outfit of the Day

   Yesterday I got new boots so I had to wear them today.  I hope this inspires you.

Jean Shirt- Old Navy
Shirt(under)- Wet Seal
Skinny pants (Jeggings)- Hollister
Boots- Dana Buchman
Belt- Unknown (bought it at Fred Meyer)


  

DIY Note Cards

   For those on your list year that you just don't know what to get this might be something that would make a perfect gift.  Stationary is a great way to give something that's personalized.  You can buy blank cards with envelopes at Michaels.  Get a stamp that reminds you of them and stamp the image on the card.  This is the set I made.

  You can get a stamp with the person's initial, their favorite animal or just something that represents their personality.  Use different colors of note cards to make them more unique.  I know that I love stationary and it's a great way to keep in touch with those far away.

Outfit of the Day: Holiday Shopping

   Anytime I go shopping I like to be comfortable.  Today I wanted to stay warm and cozy without a ton of bulk.

Scarf- No Boundries
Jacket- No Boundries
Shirt-  Zenana Outfitters
Pants- Candies
Boots- Top Moda

  

I Heart Drugstore Makeup

   Yes, this is another "tag" but it's fun.  I hope you like it.
 
1.  Favorite Drug store makeup brand?
   Maybelline.  Everything I have tried I haven't hated.  Very comparable products to high end like MAC and amazing lasting quality.  Sometimes you will buy something and it is great for the first few uses then it craps out.  That hasn't happened to me with Maybelline.


2.  Favorite face, cheek and lip products?
  Face-Maybelline Dream Matte Powder.  This is a finishing powder that keeps my foundation in place.

  Cheek- elf blushes
  Lip- Revlon's Lip Butters.  These things are awesome.  Great color and very moisturizing.

3.  Least favorite product?
  Cover Girl eyeliner.  It always smudges and rubs off really fast on me.

4.  What is the best makeup bargain?
  I am going to have to say Maybelline's Eye Tattoo.  You can use it alone and it won't crease.  Use it as a base and it will enhance the color of your eyeshadow.

5. Favorite underdog product?
  elf  Their blushes are amazing as well as their eyeshadow.  For the price you can't beat it.

6.  A drugstore product that is overpriced?
  I hate to say it but Neutrogena.  With everything that is out there in the drugstores I think $14.99 (on the "cheap") is expensive for liquid foundation.  Just saying.

Christmas Cheer Questionaire

   I thought it would be fun to answer some questions that are going around the You Tube community.  They are called tags on You Tube.  So here we go.

1.  Favorite Winter nail polish?
   
   Revlon Color Stay in Rain Forest and Revlon Red

2.  Favorite Winter lip products?

   Revlon's Lip Butter in Cherry Tart and L'oreal Colour Riche in Raisin Rapture

3.  Most worn Winter clothing piece?

   Probably my Candies Riding boots in Tan

4.  Most worn Winter accessory?

  My argyle socks!  They are perfect when I wear boots and they keep me so warm.

5.  Favorite Winter scent or candle?

   Anything that smells like I have been baking all day.  That's usually all year round.

6.  Favorite Winter beverage?

   I don't have one specific.  I love anything sweet and warm.

7.  All time favorite Christmas movie?

   If anyone knows me knows that my favorite is Christmas Vacation.  Elf is a close second.

8.  Favorite Christmas song?

  Really any song but the old classic version.  Anything sung by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis is really the best versions to me.

9.  Favorite Christmas treat?

   Well that is a little hard but I would have to say getting a cookie tray is the best.  Any kind of cookies or peanut butter balls or no bake cookies.

10.  What is your favorite Christmas decoration this year?

  Our REAL Christmas tree.

11.  What's at the top of my Christmas list?

  To be perfectly honest, to be able to give more this year than last.

  
  There we have it!  Please comment below or if you have a blog I "tag" you to do the same thing.