Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cake Balls

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cake Balls
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• Bake a chocolate cake in 9x13" pan  [box or from scratch]    
• Once the cake is completely cooled, break it up and crumble into a large bowl [yes, the cake]  make fine crumbs
• Add 8 oz. softened cream cheese
•  Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• Add 1 Tablespoon Milk
• Beat ingredients together, mixing thoroughly
• Mixture should be moist and compact well
• Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form and roll into balls
• Place cake balls on a wax paper -lined cookie sheet
• Chill in freezer approx. 10 minutes
• Remove and drizzle [or dip] with melted chocolate
• Decorate! 

*Store cake balls in the refrigerator when not serving.

These treats are perfect for sharing!

DIY Paint Chip Garland

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I'm slowly but surely, crossing off the few final projects for the nursery, and this is one.  It's easy, cheap, and pretty self explanatory.....

Supplies:  

- 30-40 paint sample chips/ cards/ samples   [call them what you want!]

    - paper punch     - sewing machine

 Using my Recollections® circle punch I punched approx. 40 circles from paint-sample chips I had collected over time. 
* Any shape or size will work for this project.

 Picking two circles [I choose different colors] stack them, wrong sides together.

 Pull your threads out a good 2-3" before starting to sew, this allows plenty of leeway to hang the strand when finished.

Line up your circles to the foot and sew down the middle of the circle.

*I lengthened my stitch to help reduce rippling. 

 Pick another set of circles [putting them wrong sides together] and butt them up directly against the one before, not allowing any space between.

 Repeat.

Have fun coordinating and making patterns, by using different colors.

After hanging the Chinese lanterns and pom-pom, I wasn't happy with how the corner look.

Though I liked the collection, I felt like it still looked bare and needed something else. 

This project was the perfect addition!

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These garlands are also perfect for birthday parties or showers, especially when draped or layered to create a banner!   

 - This little project cost me noo money!

Happy creating!

Nursery sneak- peek

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I mentioned last week that we've been working on transforming little man's [dramatic] bedroom into a nursery/playroom.    The main inspiration for the change was Desirée's lovely computer-nook makeover and this color palette i found.......

Nautical & Serene.

                         

                                         

Take a peek.........

For all you who love a good "before and after".... 

I am beyond ready to have this room finished. There's several projects to finish and things that need to be bought, and switched out. [make a dust ruffle, new rocking chair, etc.]   I've spent approx. $70 on this transformation [as of now] and plan to share several thrifty and DIY tips, that helped keep this project affordable.   Stay tuned!

Happy Tuesday!

Blessings & "Kisses From Katie"

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It's the little things in life.....

1. Why, Thank you! Only 3.5 more months!

2. I'm not a flower kind-of girl, but they sure do make my day!

3.  Sweet baby, I can't wait to meet you!

4. Arby's!!!  [enough said.]

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On another note.   For my birthday I received the book "Kisses From Katie."  I'd heard several girlfriends mention it, but never took the time to look it up.  I started reading it last night, and I must say it's a keeper.  In just the few chapters I've read so far, there's been several things Katie said that are stirring my heart. I want to share a quote that has me digging deep and asking myself...  

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  "Jesus called His followers to be a lot of things, but I have yet to find where He warned us to be safe. We are not called to be safe, we are simply promised that when we are in danger, God is right there with us. And there is no better place to be than in His hands."   

.......... Do I love and serve others recklessly?  

    Have I become too comfortable..... Am I complacent?

We all long to be secure and safe. But do we miss opportunities that God puts in front of us, due to how it may make us feel.... uncomfortable.... vulnerable.... scared??

I'll confess.  

There have been several times that I have avoided certain opportunities and people because there appearance is intimidating to me, or I'm too busy and "pushed for time".

 

There is one particular lady who comes to mind, who i see regularly in town, in the same area. 
Have I once bought a lunch and went to find her?....... 

.... Sadly, no.  

And why not?

I'm convicted. 

Be blessed.

Uppercase Living® Giveaway WINNER

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I just couldn't wait until Morning!  Without further adue, I'm excited to share the winner of the Uppercase Living® Giveaway is..........

.......  Janessa Campbell! .......   

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Anonymous said... I would love to win that! I have a perfect place for it! I don't have any UL but have been tempted to have a party! Janessa Campbell        January 9, 2012 12:10 PM  
 ...........

Janessa, I hope this 'expression' blesses your home and heart!  Enjoy!

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Goodnight.

ABD: Valentine Toppers + Picks

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ABD is now offering pastry buntings, garlands, and toppers!  To kick things off, {and what better time than right before Valentine's} here are a couple snapshots of the debut pieces!  ......

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 Heart- Clothesline Bunting

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Heart Cupcake Picks

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Feel the love?!   

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Have a great evening!

halfway.

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halfway / 20 weeks

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Best moment this week: 

Seeing our little one via. ultrasound yesterday

Gender: It's a surprise!

Miss Anything?  Sleeping on my back.

Nervous about? 
Praying this baby is much smaller than little man was. 

Movement: Some, more and more with time. 

Food cravings:  Loaded cheese fries, Cheeseburgers,

Stuffed Mushrooms, Frozen blueberries + Fresh fruit

[ok, i'll stop there!]

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Ice Cream!

Labor Signs:  No

Symptoms:  Heartburn

Happy or Moody:  Happy, but an emotional wreck!

Looking forward to:  

My birthday this weekend, and the year ahead!
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Praising God for His protection and health
 thusfar. Praying it continues for both

baby and myself.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  - Psalm 5:10-12

Uppercase Living® Giveaway

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Happy Monday!   I'm excited to share this lovely giveaway from Uppercase Living® with you, a great start to the week!

- I first became acquainted with Uppercase Living® two years ago, at a friend's home-party, with local consultant Bessie Black!   Having just moved into our new home [and being in desperate need of decor inspiration] I immediately booked my own UL party, and quickly became a fan!

Here are a few places we use UL in our home....

* One lucky follower will recieve UL's 'John 3:16' vinyl expression in Whipped Creme [9005], a $49.95 value!!  {shown below}  The expression measures 18"x18".   

* To enter :  - Leave a comment {with your name and email address} letting me know if you're 'new' to UL or a seasoned fan + user.
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- For an additional entry, "share" this giveaway on facebook or your own personal blog. Leave me an additional comment letting me know you did so.


The giveaway closes January 18, 9:00pm.
One winner will be choosen at random - Random.org.
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For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.

That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.   -John 3:16


Have a great week!

 

ABD  Cupcake 1st Birthday Party

Now th.

I have a sweet {literally} 1st birthday party to share with you, that I just happen to be in love with!  - I recently had the privilege of helping with a cupcake-themed celebration for a friend's daughter, little Miss. A!   Everything from the decor to the take-home treats were not only fabulous, but DIY and planned by the birthday girl's Mom!      .... Enjoy! 

Venue : Clover Hill United Methodist Church

Photography : Molly Whitmore Photography

Design Consultation + Pennant Banners : Amelia Bedelia Designs

Decor, baked sweets + treats : Katie Welborn    
{Mom of the birthday girl}

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Happy New Year!