I share a lot of crafts, diys, parties, travel tips, and MORE on this blog... but did you know I also have an online shop called Cute as a Button Designs. Today I'm sharing the latest addition to my store -- handmade felt BIRTHDAY CROWNS. Check out a few pictures of my creations below.
Seriously... aren't they adorable? I have so many ideas for customizing them, but if you are looking for something in particular, please let me know.
Making bread can be intimidating, but this "no knead" bread is simple to make... and it is really delicious. The Dutch Oven is the key to the chewy crust and soft interior. No one will believe that this isn't an artisan loaf of bread from a fancy bakery.
4 cups flour (you can use bread flour... but I use all purpose and it works perfectly)
1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
In a medium size bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to soften and get foamy.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture, and pour the yeast mixture into the well. Use a wooden spoon to stir until the dough starts to come together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. (If it's too sticky, you can add a bit of flour... and if it is too dry, you can add a bit of water.)
Grease a large bowl with olive oil, and place the dough in the bowl. Cover it, and leave it in a warm spot until it doubles in size... approx. 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Lay out a piece of parchment paper, and dust it with flour. Dump the dough onto the floured parchment paper and form into a loose ball... by gently folding in the edges. Floured hands are helpful in creating the "rough" rustic loaf shape.
Transfer the dough back to the greased bowl, cover, and let rise for another 30-60 minutes.
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 470 degrees F. When it's preheated, place the Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the Dutch Oven from the oven, and transfer the risen dough into it. (Be careful because the Dutch Oven is going to be extremely hot!)
Score the top of the loaf by cutting an "X" with a sharp knife... about 1/4 inch deep.
Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Reduce the heat to 450 degrees F, remove the lid, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to create a nicely browned crust.
Carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least an hour before slicing. (Don't rush this step or you will end up with a gummy interior.)
*** I also like to rub a bit of butter on the top to make it look rich and glossy... but this is optional.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think. I'm pretty sure you'll love it!
This video contains EIGHTquick and easyWINTER CRAFTS that the whole family will enjoy making... and most use budget-friendly Dollar Store supplies. All the crafts are super cute, but the last one is my favourite!
CLINK on the photos or titles for step by step instructions.
I love a "make ahead" casserole, and this French Toast casserole has become a staple in our home. It's great for special occasions, busy mornings, and casual brunches. Give it a try, and let me know what you think.
Ingredients:
loaf of French bread
8 eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp real vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
Crumble topping:
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp all spice
1/2 cold butter (grated to make it easier to cut into the mixture)
Instructions:
1) Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with butter. Then, fill the pan with cut up cubes of bread.
2) Whisk 8 eggs together in a bowl. Add the milk, cream, sugars, vanilla and salt... and whisk together.
3) Pour the egg mixture over the bread (evenly), cover, and refrigerate overnight.
4) To make the topping: Mix the flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together with a fork. Add the grated butter, and use a pastry cutter to mix it into a crumbly consistency.
5) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then, sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole, and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Serve "as is", or serve with fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Enjoy!
💗
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)
To get a closer look, check out the YouTube short I made below.
Chilly winter days are perfect for crafting, and you are going to love the ideas I'm sharing today. I have 4 easy and adorable WINTER CRAFTS for kids and teens. Most use dollar store supplies, AND I'm sharing a FREE printable you can download. Check out all the fun below!
1) Wood slice melted snowman -- This is an adorable craft. It looks great on a tiered tray, but it's sweet just sitting on a shelf too. Find the FULL step by step instructions here.
2) Waterless snowman snowglobe - There is something magical about snow globes, and this version is easy to make and super-cute. Download the FREE printable below, and find the step by step instructions here.
To download the snowman and tree I used for this snow globe:click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.
3) Snowman lollipops - Who doesn't love a craft that is also a snack?!? These snowman suckers are sure to be a hit with crafters of all ages. Find the step-by-step instructions here.
4) Pom pom "snow buddies"- This is seriously the cutest craft! After you see how easy they are to make, you are going to want to make a bunch of these adorable snow buddies. Find the step-by-step instructions here.
For a closer look at how to make all four of these adorable winter crafts, check out the video I made here:
What do you think of these winter crafts? Which one is your favourite?
For Christmas, I made a dice game for my boys and their cousins. (You can see it here.) It was a huge success, so I thought it would be fun to make one for New Year's Eve too... and of course I'm sharing it with YOU for FREE.
To play this New Year's Eve party game, fill a box with candy and chocolate, and place it in the middle of a table. (I like to do 10 pieces per player... with a mixture of small and large pieces.)
Then, everyone picks four pieces of candy/chocolate from the box... going from youngest to oldest. Everyone takes turns rolling the dice, and following the instructions on the printable I designed. The first person to collect 10 pieces of candy WINS. Players keep what they have, but the winner also gets all the extra candies in the middle.
To print the instructions:click on the photo below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.
Note: if you have any problems, send an email to EastCoastMommy@gmail.com, and I'll send you a pdf version.
This is a great game for kids, but everyone in the family will enjoy it.
Give this game a try, and let me know what you think. I think you'll find it a lot of fun. Happy New Year!
Hosting a simple celebration can be the perfect way to ring in the new year. Today I'm sharing theBEST ideas for celebrating New Year's Eveat home... and FREE printables.(Don't forget to check out the short video at the end of this post!)
Activity Bags - I love making activity bags that can be opened each hour leading up to midnight. The bags can contain noisemakers, the supplies for a midnight toast, games, and more.
I love having one bag contain the items needed to set up a photo booth.
And including a year in review questionnaire for kids is fun too.
To download a FREE copy of the one I designed:click on the picture below, right-click, save it to your computer, and print it like a regular 8x10 photo.
Special New Year's Eve Treat - To make this festive treat, simply add candies to the bottom of a wine glass and top with a decorated cupcake. Cute, right?!?
Adorable New Year's Eve Mocktail - To make this adorable beverage, add sparkling water, 7up, or sparkling wine to a champagne flute. Then, add a bit of cotton candy to the top, and insert a straw. Easy... and so much fun!
New Year's Eve Party Favours - Every party needs a party favour, and I have three simple options to share.
Breakfast for tomorrow - Add a tag to a small box of cereal or a pop tart.
To download the "breakfast for tomorrow" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.
Midnight Kisses - Add a tag to a little bag of Hershey kisses.
To download the "midnight kisses" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.
Rings to ring in the new year - Add a tag to candy rings.
To download the "ring in the new year" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.
To download the "bring some sparkle to 2026" tags: click on the picture below, right-click, save it, and print it like a regular 4x6 photo.
For a closer look at my New Year's Eve ideas (and full instructions), check out the YouTube video I made here.
Will you be celebrating at home this year? I hope you find some of these ideas fun and helpful. Happy New Year!!!!
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